Minister of Natural Resources, Patricia Wiskes, has assured Malawians that government will strengthen efforts to restore the country’s degraded environment through the implementation of various conservation programmes.
Wiskes made the remarks in Lilongwe during the launch of the National State of the Environment Outlook Report and the joint commemoration of the World Environment Day 2026 and International Day for Biological Diversity 2026.
The minister acknowledged that the extent of environmental degradation highlighted in the report is worrying and requires collective action to reverse. She said government plans to scale up reforestation initiatives, ecosystem restoration programmes and sustainable land management practices, among other interventions.
“As government, we recognize that environmental sustainability is central to the achievement of our national development agenda.we remain committed to strengthening government priorities, legislation, and institutions that promote environmental protection and biodiversity conservation,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Rebecca Adda-Dontoh said Malawi ranks among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, a situation that continues to affect livelihoods and economic growth.
She described the report as a call for urgent action and stronger coordination, stressing that Malawi’s environmental future will significantly influence its economic future.
“I urge us all to choose action, to choose coherence and to choose courage, because it takes courage to take this forward because when Malawi protects it’s land, it’s waters, it’s forest, and it’s energy systems, it is not only protecting nature, it is building resilience and securing the hopes of every child, every farmer, every family, and every community,” she said.
Norway’s Deputy Ambassador Ranveig Rajendra said the report serves as a reminder of the need to invest in environmental protection.
“The message is simple: investing in environmental sustainability is not optional. It is essential for Malawi development and for achieving mission 2063 So today is not the end of the process, it is the beginning of the next phase,” he said.
Board Chairperson of the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority, Yanira Ntupanyama, said the findings reveal serious environmental concerns that require immediate attention if Malawi is to achieve the aspirations outlined in the Malawi 2063.
“The responsibility of protecting our environment does not lead to the government alone. It requires collective action from all sectors of society. We therefore call upon communities, businesses, civil society organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, politicians, traditional leaders and development partners to work together in implementing the recommendations of this report,” she said.
The report was compiled by a team of over 60 Malawian scientists with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme and GRID-Arendal, with financial assistance from the Government of Norway.
