Environmental Affairs Department
Our Work
From national climate policy to biodiversity and environmental education, we coordinate how Malawi manages its environment and responds to climate change.
Climate change
Climate change management
We coordinate the development of climate change management policies, strategies, programmes and projects, and Malawi’s reporting on climate change at national, regional and international levels.
Our work is guided by the National Climate Change Management Policy (2016), which seeks “to promote climate change adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer and capacity building for sustainable livelihoods through Green Economy measures for Malawi”.
We led the preparation of Malawi’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), with all 28 district councils, government, civil society, academia, the private sector and development partners. We also coordinate the LDC Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR), which Malawi pilots in Rumphi, Salima and Mangochi as one of six front-runner countries.
NDC 3.0 at a glance
Malawi’s climate commitments to 2035
- Emissions cut by 2035 with Malawi’s own resources
- 12%
- Emissions cut by 2035 with international support
- 48%
- US dollars needed to carry out the NDC, 2025–2035
- $7.06bn
- Sectors covered by adaptation actions
- 12
Emission cuts by sector, compared with business as usual
“Own resources” means actions Malawi pays for itself. “With support” adds the actions that need international finance, technology and capacity building.
| Sector | 2030, own resources | 2030, with support | 2035, own resources | 2035, with support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy (including transport) | 17% | 40% | 23% | 54% |
| Agriculture, forestry and other land use | 6% | 19% | 8% | 34% |
| Waste | 3% | 4% | 9% | 14% |
| Industrial processes and product use | – | 33% | – | 48% |
| National total | 8% | 21% | 12% | 35% |
Carbon markets
Carbon markets
We coordinate the design, implementation and monitoring of carbon trading programmes. Under Malawi’s Carbon Market Framework (launched in August 2025), the department is the Designated National Authority and the single entry point for all carbon trading projects in Malawi.
The Framework covers cooperative approaches under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, the Article 6.4 mechanism and voluntary carbon market activities. It sets the minimum requirements for project participants, the participation of local entities, fees and share of proceeds, information disclosure, and monitoring, reporting and verification.
Every carbon project must be registered in the Malawi Carbon Registry System. Our Carbon Market Office handles approvals and authorisation, monitoring, transfers and reporting.
Transparency
Transparency & reporting
We prepare Malawi’s reports to the UNFCCC, including its National Communications and its First Biennial Transparency Report, submitted together with the Fourth National Communication under the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework.
Malawi’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory System uses calculators and standard operating procedures based on the IPCC Guidelines, with quality assurance and quality control at each step. Under NDC 3.0, a national measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system will track progress on both mitigation and adaptation.
See Malawi’s emission profile under the NDC, and the environmental agreements Malawi has joined.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity conservation
We give advisory, technical and policy direction to identify, protect and conserve Malawi’s biodiversity and the indigenous knowledge linked to it, through national strategies, action plans and programmes for conservation, sustainable use and the restoration of ecosystems.
We coordinate biodiversity and ecosystem policies, innovative financing for biodiversity, and biodiversity assessments and the valuation of ecosystem services. In May 2026, Malawi’s first National Ecosystem Assessment was launched, carried out by LUANAR together with the department.
Education
Environmental education & awareness
We coordinate public environmental education and awareness. We produce and share environmental education materials, and we work to include environmental concerns in formal and informal education curricula.
We also keep environmental information and documentation, so that policy makers, researchers and the public can find reliable data on Malawi’s environment.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Is the Environmental Affairs Department the same as MEPA?
No. The Environment Management Act No. 19 of 2017 set up the Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) as the regulator for the protection and management of the environment. The department leads policy, coordination and Malawi’s international climate and environment commitments.
Where do I apply for an environmental impact assessment?
Environmental assessments are handled by MEPA. Visit mepa.mw for the forms and steps.
How do I register a carbon project in Malawi?
All carbon projects must follow the Carbon Market Framework and register in the Malawi Carbon Registry System. The department is the single entry point. Read the Framework in Strategies & Plans, or contact us.
What is the NDC 3.0?
It is Malawi’s third Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. It sets emission targets for 2030 and 2035, an indicative path to 2040, and adaptation actions in 12 sectors.
What is the National Climate Change Management Policy?
Approved in 2016, the policy guides climate change action in Malawi. Its goal is to promote adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer and capacity building for sustainable livelihoods through Green Economy measures.
Resources
Read the policies, plans and reports behind our work
Acts, policies, strategies and Malawi’s reports to the UNFCCC, in one place.