Environmental Sustainability in Malawi: Challenges and Opportunities

•Khumbolawo Mulumbeni Lungu

•Department of Energy Affairs

•Malawi

•20th October 2011

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Definition of Environmental Sustainability

•Environment:

•Ecosystems, Surroundings, Nature

•Sustainability – be able to;

•Maintain, prolong, continue

•“……….Ability to …………….”

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MDG7 Context

•Sustainable Development Policies and Programmes aimed at reversing the loss of Environmental Resources.

•Land Are covered by Forests

•Protected Area to maintain Ecosystems

•Energy Use / Solid Fuels

•CO2 Emissions

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Overview of GOM Policies

•Three Policies and Legal Instruments

•Forestry Act

•Environment Management Act

•Energy Policy

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Overview of GOM Policies

•Management of Natural Resources

•Procedures for Environment Assessments

•Afforestation and Forest Protection

•Promotion of Modern and Renewable Energy Services.

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GOM Strategic Policies Related to Community Approaches

•Community Based Natural Resource Management

•Community Based Micro Projects for Afforestation

•Community Based Alternative Energy Sources

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Challenges for Community Approaches •Limited Land Availability – not to the required Scale •Localised Small Scale Projects with Minimal Impact •Concentration on only artificial Forests •Issues of Ownership •Low Access Rate to Modern Energy Services •Limited readily available Alternative Energy Sources/Technologies to Wood Fuel

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Opportunities for Community Approaches

•Decentralisation Policy

•Large Number of Extension Staff for Capacity Building

•Available and Proven Alternative Energy Sources/Technologies

•Available Good Practices and Examples where Lessons can be Learnt.

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Opportunities to Strengthen Scotland-Malawi Links

•Formulation Policy and Strategies for Renewable Energy

•Sector Development – technology, knowledge exchange and training

•Models of Sustainable Community Energy Development

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WAY FORWARD

•Is Community based Approach to Environment Sustainability Practical?

•What are its Principles and Practices to be adopted for effective and successful projects?

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WAY FORWARD

•Considering the targets set out by MDG7, in what WAYS are we falling short?

•In what BEST ways can the TWO Countries share Experience in moving towards Environmental Sustainability ?

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•THE END

•THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!

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