MMCT was established in 2000 as an NGO in Malawi by local conservationists and assisted by DflD, the World Bank and the GEF. It became a Conservation Trust Fund in 2005. MMCT is based in Mulanje and works closely with the Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve (MMFR) management authority, the Malawi Department of Forestry, other agencies from Malawi government and two district councils. MMCT has a vision to contribute towards a Mount Mulanje Global Biosphere Reserve that is responsibly managed and equitably benefiting all. Amongst its varied support activities, MMCT facilitates financial and technical assistance through three primary programmes: Biodiversity Conservation, Research & Monitoring Forest Co-Management and Sustainable Livelihoods Environmental Education & Communication MMCT works through multiple partnerships with global technical agencies and local stakeholders organizations to achieve its broad objectives of mountain ecological conservation and sustainable development. Many of MMCT's areas of work involve both contemporary policy application and the implementation of practical innovation. MMCT seeks to find the win-win solutions to realize both conservation improvements and livelihoods benefits, and the involvement of local village communities is key to long-term success.