Malawi builds on recent law enforcement success by joining the Nature Crime Alliance

Home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, including a large elephant population, Malawi is rich in biodiversity and natural resources. Yet, as with many countries, Malawi shares an exposure to wildlife traffickers and illegal loggers. Recent law enforcement successes highlight Malawi’s commitment to tackle nature crime, but greater collaboration with other countries and organisations can enhance these efforts further.

This is why Malawi has joined the Nature Crime Alliance – a global multi-sector network that raises political will, mobilises financial commitment, and bolsters operational capacity to fight nature crime around the world.

Through the Alliance, Malawi will enjoy closer collaboration with partners to strengthen its response to these crimes, alongside sharing its own learnings with other Alliance members facing similar challenges.

Speaking on joining the Alliance, Michael Usi, Minister for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Malawi, said: “Malawi is making a concerted effort to tackle nature crime, as is reflected in recent prosecutions of wildlife trafficking networks. Joining the Nature Crime Alliance will help us to build on that momentum and develop solutions with other countries and sectors to win the fight against nature crime.”

The Alliance officially launched in August 2023, and was co-created in recognition that current efforts to tackle nature crime are fragmented. It aims to catalyse collaboration between governments, law enforcement, international and civil society organisations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and the private sector. Its current Co-Chairs are Norway and the United States.

Yulia Stange, Director of the Nature Crime Alliance, commented: “The Alliance is developing solutions across a range of issues, including illegal logging and wildlife trade. We are delighted to welcome Malawi into the Alliance to share their experiences in fighting nature crime and help increase collaborative efforts to address the country’s challenges in this space.”