As Malawi joins the world in commemorating World Wildlife Day today, 3rd March 2026, the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) is calling for urgent action to safeguard the country’s medicinal and aromatic plants, which are vital not only for health but also for cultural heritage and livelihoods.
This year’s observance, under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” highlights the crucial role these plants play in healthcare systems, the preservation of indigenous knowledge, local economies, and the resilience of communities.
In a press statement signed by Julius Ng’oma, National Coordinator, CISONECC emphasized that in Malawi, many people rely directly on natural resources for their daily survival, making the conservation of these plants both an environmental and socio-economic priority.
Ng’oma said that with pressures from climate change, deforestation, land degradation, and unsustainable harvesting, the risk of losing these invaluable resources is growing, making collective action more urgent than ever.
CISONECC emphasizes that all sectors of society have a role to play in safeguarding Malawi’s medicinal and aromatic plants. Government authorities are urged to strengthen the enforcement of environmental and wildlife protection laws while investing in community-led conservation initiatives that preserve these plant species.
“CISONECC calls upon development partners to scale up support for locally led biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation initiatives that protect ecosystems and traditional knowledge systems,” reads the statement.
The private sector is called upon to prioritize investments in sustainable ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation, promoting long-term environmental sustainability that aligns with social and economic development.
Furthermore, communities and citizens are reminded of their responsibility to adopt sustainable resource use practices, participate in tree planting initiatives, restore degraded ecosystems, and actively safeguard medicinal plants and wildlife for the benefit of future generations.
“Protecting medicinal and aromatic plants is protecting our health. Preserving biodiversity is preserving our heritage. Strengthening ecosystems is securing livelihoods,” Ng’oma stated “Together, we can conserve Malawi’s natural wealth and build a resilient future where people and nature thrive.”
The organization says that through initiatives such as the Community-Led Planning and Management for Biodiversity Protection and Resilient Communities around Lake Chilwa, it is working closely with local communities to restore degraded ecosystems, promote sustainable land management, and empower local governance structures to manage forests and wetlands responsibly.
These efforts not only protect medicinal and aromatic plants but also enhance climate resilience, improve carbon sequestration, regulate water systems, and support habitats for a wide variety of species, ensuring that communities continue to benefit from natural remedies, traditional knowledge, and sustainable livelihoods.
