Malawi

Malawi is endowed with rich biodiversity, with aquatic ecosystems covering nearly one-fifth of the country’s surface area and extensive terrestrial ecosystems that include forests, mountains, grasslands and agricultural landscapes. These ecosystems provide essential services that support livelihoods, food security, water resources and economic development, with approximately 85% of the population – particularly rural communities – depending directly on biodiversity and ecosystem services for their well-being. However, Malawi’s natural resources face growing pressures from pollution, sedimentation and salinization of water bodies, deforestation, charcoal production, agricultural expansion, invasive alien species, overgrazing, uncontrolled fires and climate change.

• To help address these threats and strengthen the evidence base for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, Malawi conducted a national ecosystem assessment to generate credible scientific and traditional knowledge on the status, trends and value of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Launched in May 2026, the assessment addressed critical knowledge gaps and provided information to support informed policymaking, national development planning and the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP III).
• Through the BES Solution Fund catalytic support, Malawi is now advancing the uptake of its assessment findings with priority actions, including strengthening its National Biodiversity Platform by fostering collaboration among government, experts, Indigenous and local knowledge holders, and other stakeholders to advance the implementation of the NBSAP III. The country will also identify and designate a priority site as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure, expanding conservation efforts through improved planning, management and local capacity development. In addition, Malawi will promote the uptake of assessment findings through targeted communication, knowledge-sharing, stakeholder engagement and biodiversity financing initiatives, helping to mobilize resources and drive evidence-based action for biodiversity and ecosystem services across sectors.

Implementing agency: UNDP Malawi

Government partner: Ministry of Natural Resources