Malawi - Overview

Remark:

Please note that this country profile has been prepared by the Secretariat on the basis of information provided in the NBSAP and national reports, but has not been reviewed by the Party concerned.

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

Malawi is one of the countries with the largest number and the most diverse communities of freshwater fish in the world. Malawi possesses over 800 species of fish, and 90% of them are endemic. Lake Malawi is a well-known attraction, being the country’s largest water body (covering about 20% of Malawi’s territory) and the most significant water body in terms of fish production and diversity... More »

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The strategy identified four main goals: (1) conservation of protected areas, mountains and species and restoration of degraded and vulnerable ecosystems, habitats and species; (2) enhancement and improvement of the biodiversity knowledge base and the strengthening of human and infrastructure capacity; (3) enhancement of agricultural production through protection and management of biodiversity and support for initiatives that encourage fair and equitable sharing of benefits; (4) and the enhancement of community understanding and appreciation of biodiversity and support of community action... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

To achieve the 2010 target, the country intends to enhance and protect the existing protected areas network, enhance forest rehabilitation programs and develop plans to halt the degradation of biodiversity. Malawi is engaged to: increase the number and distribution of rare and threatened species and discourage their commercial use; develop other in-situ and ex-situ programs; develop programs related to invasive species; undertake research and development of cage culture to reduce dependency on capture fisheries; prevent and combat the effects of forest fires, promote sustainable use of forest and aquatic resources, and integrate considerations of sustainable use into sectoral policies as much as possible... More »

Initiatives in Protected Areas

The country intends to extend and protect the existing network of protected areas. Most of the evergreen forests and montane grasslands occur in protected areas, such as Forest Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Furthermore, both the Miombo Ecoregion and Rift Valley Ecoregion are represented in the Protected Areas Network... More »

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

The country indicated that this issue does not constitute a national priority. However, some actions related to this article are mentioned in the NBSAP and National Reports, such as the participation of local leaders in policy dialogue, protection of indigenous knowledge and promotion of traditional systems to protect biodiversity... More »

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

Dr. Aloysius Kamperewera	CBD Primary NFP, SBSTTA NFP
Ms. Monipher Patience Musasa	CBD Secondary NFP, SBSTTA NFP
The Secretary National Research Council of Malawi	CHM NFP
Mr. John Mawenda	Traditional Knowledge NFP
Mr. Leonard D. Sefu	Protected Areas NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Ms. Caroline Theka

Cartagena Protocol Primary NFP, BCH NFP