Malawi unveils its first National Ecosystem Assessment
The assessment finds that forest cover fell from 47% in 1975 to 24% in 2020, and that 85% of Malawians rely directly on biodiversity.
Malawi has launched its first National Ecosystem Assessment. The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) carried it out with the Environmental Affairs Department, with technical support from the NEA Initiative at UNEP-WCMC and the BES-Net consortium.
The assessment warns that Malawi’s biodiversity is under strain. Among its findings:
85% of Malawians rely directly on biodiversity for their livelihoods.
Forest cover fell from 47% in 1975 to 24% in 2020.
Lake Malawi holds more than 1,000 fish species, and fisheries supply 60–70% of the animal protein Malawians eat.
Chambo catches have fallen by more than 70% over 50 years.
About 60% of Malawi’s land is severely degraded.
Source: NEA Initiative.
