The overall policy goal is the promotion of sustainable social and economic
development through the sound management of the environment in the country.
2.2.1 Secure for all persons resident in Malawi now and in
the future an environment suitable for their health and well-being.
2.2.2 Promote efficient utilization and management of the country's
natural resources and encourage, where appropriate, long term self-sufficiency
in food, fuelwood and other energy requirements.
2.2.3 Facilitate the restoration, maintenance and enhancement of the
ecosystems and ecological processes essential for the functioning of the
biosphere and prudent use of renewable resources.
2.2.4 Enhance public awareness of the importance of sound environmental
understanding of various environmental issues and participation in addressing
them.
2.2.5 Promote co-operation with other Governments and relevant international/regional
organizations, local communities, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs),
and the private sector in the management and protection of the environment.
Underlying these broad policy goals are certain key principles which
will guide policy development and implementation strategies:
(a) Every person has a right to a clean and healthy environment
and a duty to maintain and enhance the environment.
(b) Children should be sensitized in the environmental issues with a
view to involve them in the conservation, protection and management of
the environment as future custodians.
(c) Women should be closely involved in policy, program and project
design and implementation to enhance their role in natural resource use
and management activities.
(d) The use of renewable natural resources should be sustainable for
the benefit of the present and future generations.
(e) Malawi's economy is highly dependent on natural resources. If these
are depleted or degraded, long-term food security and sustainable economic
growth will be seriously affected.
(f) The participation of the private sector, NGOs, and Community Based
Organizations (CBOs), is critical to improved protection, conservation,
management and sustainable utilization of Malawi's natural resources.
(g) Community-based management and revenue sharing from the sustainable
utilization of natural resources on customary and public lands will be
encouraged.
(h) Regulation will be complemented by social and economic incentives
to influence behavior for individuals or organizations to invest in sustainable
environmental management.
(i) Regular and accurate assessment, monitoring, and dissemination of
information on environmental conditions will be assured.
(j) Tradeoffs between economic development and environmental degradation
will be minimized through use of environmental impact assessment and natural
resource monitoring.
(k) Rational and secure tenure over land and resources is a fundamental
requirement for sustainable natural resource management.
(l) Some of Malawi's natural resources such as Lake Malawi, National
Parks and Forest Reserves are very much affected by the activities of her
neighbours and those of the region
at large. This calls for concerted efforts in preparation of policies
and plans for their utilization, management and conservation to ensure
sustainable regional development.
