By Fostina Mkandawire
Authorities in Salima District Council have intensified efforts to conserve endangered fish species in Lake Malawi through an on-going project being implemented in the district.
The initiative, led by Ripple Africa in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Fisheries Department in Salima and Mangochi is aiming at protecting critically endangered Cichlid species and improve the health of the lake’s ecosystem.
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting on Wednesday, Salima District Fisheries Officer, Patrick Zakeyu stressed the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation to safeguard fish resources in the lake which is vital to local livelihoods and national heritage.
“We commend Ripple Africa for complementing government efforts through raising awareness about the importance of the lake to surrounding communities,” Zakeyu said.
Zakeyu said the Lake Malawi National Park faces significant pressure such that many fish species are listed as critically endangered and the World Heritage Committee expressed concern over the park’s deteriorating ecological state.
Ripple Africa’s Senior Project Manager, Sam Manda said the project, funded by UNESCO, promotes sustainable fishing practices and community-led enforcement of conservation by-laws through the Fish for Tomorrow Programme.
Manda said the initiative also emphasises the economic and ecological value of Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He added that Ripple Africa has always championed community-based natural resource management interventions in Malawi such as through its Fish for Tomorrow Programme whereby the organisation works directly with Beach Village Committees (BVCs).
“We strengthen the capacity of BVCs to monitor and protect fish breeding areas, enforce seasonal fishing bans and promote alternative livelihoods that reduce pressure on fish stocks,” he said.
Manda, however, noted that Ripple Africa’s approach combines awareness-raising with practical support such as training, monitoring tools and data collection to ensure communities are active participants in conserving their own natural resources.
Senior Chief Maganga whose area is benefitting from the project, pledged the involvement of local communities in conserving the park and promoting legal fishing methods.
The project launched in 2021 builds on a 2020 scoping mission that identified key threats to biodiversity in the park. Based on the findings, partners developed a detailed action plan focusing on sustainable co-management of fish resources.
