Malawi is expected to champion the effective management of the protected areas as it is the first country in the SADC region to have launched the Protected Areas Management Effectiveness (PAME) guidelines.

 

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Chancy Simwaka, disclosed this on May 23, 2024 in Kasungu when he launched the guidelines.

 

The PAME guidelines have been developed under the Biopama project implemented by the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

 

“The PAME guidelines are not just a set of rules and recommendations, they are a testament to our shared values and determination to safeguard our natural heritage for generations to come. By adhering to these guidelines, we can enhance the effectiveness of our protected area management practices, ensuring that our conservation efforts are based on sound science, best practices, and stakeholder engagement,” said Simwaka. 

 

He thanked the Biopama Project and MUST for their support and collaboration with DNPW in the development of the PAME guidelines.

 

“I urge all of you to embrace these guidelines, to integrate them into your management practices, and to use them as a tool for continuous learning and improvement. Together, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact on the conservation and sustainable management of our natural resources,” added Simwaka. 

 

On his part, Head of Biological Sciences Department at MUST, Dr Petros Chigwechokha said the guidelines would play a crucial role in restoration of the degraded environment. 

 

He said the environment plays a critical role in life including in corporate governance, citing the inspiration MUST drew from the Big Five animals to develop its 2024-2030 strategic plan.

“One of the new strategic plan’s pillars is ‘People and Society’ represented by the buffalo. The principle behind this is to make MUST, the people’s university. This pillar epitomizes our intent to maintain a high level of consciousness to the needs of the surrounding communities and beyond. We are tapping into the African Buffalo’s belief in the power of teamwork and community to overcome challenges and achieve progress and that is what MUST wishes to emulate. I believe these guidelines are a true reflection of this,” he said.