Mulanje lies within Shire river basin. Thuchila river which is one of the main tributaries for shire river originates from the north-western par of Mulanje. The place is under serious threat due to heavy reliance on biomass energy coupled with inefficient conservation. Mostly people cut down trees for firewood and burning charcoal. In appropriate agricultural practices more especially overgrazing, cultivating in river beds along Thuchila River leads to land degradation and siltation.
Limited livelihood opportunities due to persistent hunger forces people to resort to unsustainable charcoal and fuel-wood selling.