On The Ground in Malawi: How it all started

Back to the roots

WWF involvment in Mangochi Region began in 1980 by the WWF US office. 

Originally the focus was on overfishing issues, fish research and the protection of the rich diversity of cichlid fish around the Nankumba Peninsula (map). In the beginning of the 2000, new activities were added to the scheme.

Production of fuel briquettes, hand-made paper, as well as an art project involving environmental education, were started in Chembe Village. It was around this time that WWF Finland took over responsibility for the project from the WWF US office.

In 2003, WWF Finland further expanded the project to new locations and new issues, such as protecting the critically endangered black rhino, expanding environmental education, and initiating cooperation between Finnish and Malawian schools.