Lilongwe Wildlife Trust and the Malawi Parliamentary Conservation Caucus (MPCC) travelled to Washington this month to attend a week-long symposium along with MPs from Botswana, Colombia, Gabon, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Peru, and Zambia. Malawi’s MPs had the opportunity to network with other caucuses from around the world, to share lessons and stories and showcase Malawi’s own conservation achievements as well as challenges. Read Hon Chilenga’s remarks here.
The Gala (https://www.internationalconservation.org/united-states/special-events/iccf-gala-hosts-botswana-president-awards-business-government-and-non-governmental-conservation-leaders) was the highlight of the week with guests of honour including His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, the President of Botswana. The annual event aims to recognize the outstanding work being done by government, non-governmental, and business leaders in the furtherance of good conservation. Vulcan and African Parks (both partners to Lilongwe Wildlife Trust) received awards for their work and Dr. Naoko Ishii, CEO of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) delivered the keynote address, in which she said, “Protecting nature…is one of the most cost-effective investments we can make to fight poverty in the developing world”. Business leaders and US Senators were amongst the distinguished guests – lets hope they were all listening.
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust runs the ICCF’s programme of activities in Malawi, which is currently funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and US Fisheries and Wildlife Department. For more information please contact kate@internationalconservation.org.