Bio-diversity

The Lake Malawi Eco-region has been formally recognized by WWF as one of the Global 200 Ecoregions with a sensitive ecosystem worthy of conservation. Lake Malawi National Park (LMNP) lies within the Lake Malawi Eco-region. LMNP was designated by United Nations in 1984 as a World Heritage Site - in recognition of the high fish species diversity and biological importance of its fauna. The formally pristine Lake Malawi is severely over-fished, threatening to drive to extinction many endemic and endangered fish species. A dramatic increase in deforestation is another threat caused by the fuel needs of the rural communities lying within and around LMNP. With an increased population competing for diminishing natural resources - the task of conservation and environmental education has to include a comprehensive programme that addresses social issues related to the local population. Although people are slowly responding to the call of sustainable biodiversity conservation, there is still some pressure created by these surrounding communities that demands our attention Project s Main Objectiv The goal of the project is to enhance community and national awareness through environmental education in the Lake Malawi Eco-region, reducing land degradation and protecting biodiversity in the pristine LMNP through improving sustainable livelihoods and securing ecosystem services (especially the area around the LMNP) and simultaneously create alternative economic opportunities for the local villagers in a sustainable fashion. Implementation Strategy 1. Develop and disseminate environmental education programmes that fosters conservation and development strategies 2. Conduct weekly monitoring of fish and snail populations and bilateral infection rates of snails in LMNP. 3. Mount exibitions on environmental educatioinal materials 4. Training of youths in environmental stewardship 5. Promoting alternative energy sources for cooking Key Project Outcomes 1. Increased understanding on need for sustainable resource utilization 2. Documentation of key resources of the area. 3. Reduced fishing pressure as a result of allowing fish to breed 4. Reduced degradation of forests 5. Increased usage of alternative cooking fuel Sustainability of Project Results The HEEED team has been working with local communities since 2002, the chairman is TA Nankumba and the Trustees consist of local community and business leaders, as well as scientists with internationally recognized reputations for environmental science. The proposal builds on locally initiated projects designed for long term economic development and will continue with the support of the GOM and the local community. Malawi Television has agreed to collaborate in producing programmes that will be shown on television as well as be used in outreach programmes of HEEED and any other environmental NGOs working in other areas of Malawi.

Malawi