Malawi’s commitment to combating wildlife crime and conserving its natural heritage has gained significant momentum in recent years, particularly since joining the Environmental Protection Initiative (EPI) in 2015. This partnership has enabled the country to implement the EPI Foundation’s ‘Gold Standards,’ which has become a model for wildlife conservation practices. Malawi’s achievements, however, are not only attributed to political will, but also to strategic collaborations and targeted capacity building. Here’s a closer look at how Malawi is turning the tide on wildlife crime and what lies ahead for its conservation efforts.
‘The gold standards approach by the EPI makes Malawi achieve its commitment in terms of CITES obligations, and it creates that international perception that Malawi is serious, but also transparent, in terms of management of stockpiles under its custody.’ Brighton Kumchedwa, Director, Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW)
Infrastructure Enhancement: A Foundation for Effective Wildlife Protection
A critical component of Malawi’s success lies in improving the infrastructure that supports wildlife conservation efforts. In collaboration with the UK and US governments, the EPI Foundation undertook a thorough assessment of 25 wildlife storerooms across the country. This initiative led to substantial improvements in seven storerooms, funded by the UK government, and an additional ten improvements through US funding. These upgrades have enhanced the country’s ability to store and manage ivory and other wildlife products securely.
Additionally, Malawi has made significant strides in the centralisation and inventorying of ivory, ensuring that it meets the rigorous annual reporting requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This initiative is essential in demonstrating the country's commitment to international wildlife conservation standards.
Developing and Implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
In close collaboration with the TRACE Forensics Network, the EPI Foundation played a pivotal role in developing and implementing a unified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing ivory and wildlife products across all Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) storerooms. The implementation of these SOPs ensures that wildlife products are handled consistently and securely, reinforcing Malawi’s ability to tackle wildlife crime and smuggling effectively.
Capacity Building: Empowering the Workforce for Long-Term Success
Recognising that the success of conservation efforts is directly tied to the knowledge and expertise of personnel, Malawi has invested in training and capacity building for Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) officers. Extensive training programs were rolled out to ensure that officers were well-versed in the new SOPs, as well as the latest techniques in wildlife law enforcement. By equipping officers with the necessary skills, Malawi has created a robust workforce capable of tackling wildlife crime head-on.
Success Factors: What’s Contributing to Malawi’s Success?
Political Will: Malawi’s political leadership has made wildlife conservation a national priority. With strong backing from the government, stringent anti-poaching measures have been enacted and enforced, creating a favourable environment for conservation initiatives.
Strategic Partnerships: International collaborations, notably with the EPI Foundation, have been critical in increasing Malawi's capacity to combat wildlife crime. The UK and US governments have been instrumental in providing both financial and technical support.
Community Engagement: Malawi has actively engaged local communities in conservation efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility over the country’s rich biodiversity. This grassroots approach ensures long-term sustainability and the active participation of local stakeholders in wildlife protection.
Capacity Building: The continuous investment in training and mentorship programs for DNPW officers has strengthened the country’s law enforcement capabilities. With better-equipped officers, Malawi is now more adept at addressing the challenges posed by wildlife crime.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite these successes, Malawi faces ongoing challenges in its fight against wildlife crime.
Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources continue to be a barrier in scaling up conservation efforts. Continued support from international partners, including the UK, US, and other global stakeholders, is crucial for sustaining and expanding these initiatives.
Transnational Wildlife Crime: Wildlife trafficking is a complex, transnational issue that requires coordinated efforts across borders. Criminal networks operate across multiple countries, and without regional cooperation, it is difficult to disrupt their activities. To address this, Malawi has called for an additional Protocol under the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, which would create a global framework to combat wildlife trafficking more effectively. This proposal was voiced by the President of Malawi, H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, in February 2021.
Looking Ahead
As Malawi builds on its successes, it must strengthen regional cooperation, increase investment in conservation infrastructure, and expand its efforts to involve local communities in wildlife protection. While the challenges are significant, Malawi's progress to date highlights the power of political will, strategic partnerships, and capacity building. With continued support and international collaboration, Malawi is well on its way to becoming a leading force in the global fight against wildlife crime.
Read the EPI's 10-year report to explore the significant progress we have achieved alongside our member countries in ivory conservation and fostering human-elephant coexistence.
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