Malawi is a paradise for wildlife lovers but it has also been a paradise for poachers too. Wildlife patrols practically are non-existent and anyone who gets caught might be fined twenty dollars, which is nothing compared to what you can make with just one well-aimed shot of a wildlife. Officials in Malawi have decided enough is enough.
“When we looked at the region, we discovered probably we were the worst in terms of legislation because Zambia, Tanzania Mozambique, they upgraded theirs. (CUTS) So Malawi will no longer be the weak link and if anything the criminals will now have to think twice.” Said Brighton Kamuchedwa, Director National Parks and Wildlife
New laws are coming in to bring Malawi into line with the region. The minimal fine for petty offences is now 200 dollars and if caught hunting or trading in endangered species the punishment is up to 30 years in prison. The government also plans to embark on massive sensitization campaigns in January on the newly passed Parks and Wildlife Act.
Alongside changes on the statute books, there are changes on the ground too. Malawi has recently formed its first border control unit, and ranger numbers are to be tripled. The government is also setting up a dedicated unit to investigate and prosecute wildlife-related crime. However, paying for it all is the biggest challenge since there are plenty of other demands on state revenues.
“The operational budget that we get from central government is so meagre we can hardly achieve anything with it… We are getting around 160 million kwacha a year, but this is only adequate for one or two parks only, but also this is given to you on paper, what you actually receive maybe 60 percent of that” said Brighton Kamuchedwa, Director National Parks and Wildlife
Malawi is seeking help – from the private sector and the international community. Malawi officials say China would be a natural partner. The biggest market for Malawi’s poached treasures is the Far East.
And Malawi clearly needs a powerful ally if it’s to combat the criminals who stalk its wildlife. Just this year over 10 thousand people have been arrested for poaching, we head south to Liwonde National Park, where the highest number of poaching cases was recorded
