Communities around Chia Lagoon in Nkhotakota have commended the formation of an association of bird hunters and the development of a constitution guiding the protection of wildlife in the district.
For a long time, bird hunters were operating without registration at Chia Lagoon, which made it difficult for them to protect wildlife and bird species.
Speaking on Friday during a review of the document to guide the bird hunters association, Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi programmes manager Blessings Chingagwe said the initiative was a milestone on conservation of wildlife.
She said the proposed constitution enshrines conservation and livelihood objectives and promote eco-tourism as an alternate income source for the Chia community.
Said Chingagwe: “We are committed to supporting the bird hunters association by facilitating legal review of the constitution and guiding the registration process with the registrar general. When communities operate under structured governance, they are better positioned to protect their incomes and biodiversity.
“Development of the constitution is an ideal to the regulation of bird hunting practices, protecting members’ livelihoods and safeguarding the environment in alignment with Malawi’s national laws and conservation bodies.”
On his part, Chia Lagoon Bird Hunters Association vice-chairperson Leniya Phinifolo said it was difficult operating without a guiding document.
He said: “We have only been known to be bird hunters and we are now excited to be registered as Chia Lagoon Bird Hunters Association and refer to the constitution for guidance on how to operate.
“We are optimistic that a registered, constitutionally- governed association will restore discipline.”
Group village head Bamba endorsed the initiative, saying it was good to link culture to biodiversity restoration.
