Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Owen Chomanika has expressed government’s commitment to focusing on integrating community-driven solutions into national efforts to tackle plastic pollution and restore biodiversity.
He said this on Thursday during the commemoration of the Day for Biodiversity and World Environment Day at Chingoli Primary School near Chia Lagoon in Nkhotakota.
The event highlighted the importance of locally-led initiatives, particularly a youth group in the area that has been making significant strides in recycling plastic waste.
The Malawi Environment Protection Authority (Mepa) has committed to scaling these projects, with director general Wilfred Kadewa emphasising the potential for such initiatives to reach global markets.
Chomanika commended the Chia community’s dedication to conserving bird species, describing it as essential for the area’s tourism potential and national heritage.
“The conservation of such species is crucial,” he said.
Chomanika underscored government’s commitment to supporting youth, women and the industry in tackling the growing plastic waste crisis.
Chia Water Bird Project coordinator Chifundo Dalireni expressed optimism, noting that since 2023, efforts to protect the area have seen the return of several key species.
Chia Bird Hunters Association chairperson Shaban Mtila expressed pride in the community’s role in biodiversity restoration.
The commemoration was held under the theme ‘Stop plastic pollution’.
The day’s events also included a boat tour of the Luwi sanctuary, where officials observed the recovery of bird species that had previously become scarce.
