REPORTS
We are committed to developing and sharing knowledge on a range of conservation issues.
These reports have been produced in collaboration with partners.
If you have any questions or would like to order hard copies of any of these documents, please email comms@lilongwewildlife.org.
Building A Green & Prosperous Future for Malawi's Cities, 2022
Thought leaders and experts in their various fields share their perspective on how Malawi can build a green and prosperous future for its cities. The document also outlines the vision and plan for the Lilongwe Ecological Corridor Initiative.
Sounding the Alarm Investigative Dossier (Part 1), 2022
This dossier is intended to draw attention to Malawi’s deepening deforestation crisis. It features seven investigative reports, each conducted by a top environmental journalist on a topic of their choice, developed and published through their respective media outlets. A panel of experts have also submitted their opinion.
Criminal Trial Procedures Guide, 2022
This Guide promotes just prosecution and adjudication of wildlife and forest crimes in Malawi through analysis of procedural matters using legislation, national and international case law and hypotheticals. It is designed to provide an ongoing reference point for observers, actors and decision-makers in penal policy formulation, criminal trials and those seeking to protect wildlife.
A Review of Wildlife Crime Court Cases in Malawi, 2021
This report takes stock of four years of courtroom monitoring activities and aims to improve transparency and accountability inside courtrooms. It provides an evidence-based diagnosis of the evolving illegal wildlife trade in Malawi to help stakeholders tailor and prioritise wildlife crime prevention strategies.
The Role of Corruption in Enabling Wildlife & Forest Crime in Malawi, 2021
This report was commissioned by the Malawi Parliamentary Conservation Caucus and funded by the US Forests and Wildlife Services via ICCF, with technical support from Lilongwe Wildlife Trust.
Protecting Pangolins: Issues Brief, 2021
This briefing paper provides an overview of the scale and nature of the illicit pangolin trade in Malawi. It also covers government-led initiatives designed to disrupt trafficking networks & return victims to the wild.
Forestry Act Amendment 2019: Summary of Revisions, 2020
Forests play a critical role in sustaining the health and prosperity of Malawi. This document summarises the key revisions made by the Forestry Amendment Act 2019 – with versions in English, Chichewa and Tumbuka.
Model Charges for Wildlife Crime, 2020
This booklet includes the model statements and particulars of offences for a large range of laws relating to wildlife and forestry crimes (NPWA, Forestry Act, Firearms Act, Penal Code, Corrupt Practices Act, Customs and Excise Act, Financial Crimes Act and Immigration Act). It also offers guidance on expert testimony and sentencing submissions. The introductory discussion covers important criminal procedure elements such as mens rea, attempts and conspiracy.
Wildlife Legislation
of Malawi, 2020
This booklet was developed to consolidate Malawi’s most important wildlife legislation (Acts and regulations) and legal tools (sentencing guidelines) into a single document. It also references international legislation ratified by Malawi, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
MEPA Scoping Study, 2020
Commissioned by the Government of Malawi’s Environmental Affairs Department, this report outlines the steps needed to establish and operationalise the new Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA). Copies of this report can be requested by emailing comms@lilongwewildlife.org.
The Case for Banning
Single-Use Plastics, 2019
This report summarises the case for banning single-use plastics in Malawi, based on available information from Malawi as well as research and experience from Africa and internationally. The authors argue that not only should Malawi reinstate its ban on plastic bags, but also extend the ban to all single-use plastics.
Putting the Tools
to Good Use, 2019
In recent years the Government of Malawi has worked to reduce the poaching and trafficking of protected animals by strengthening all parts of the judicial chain. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the legislation that is available to be used to combat wildlife crime in Malawi. It also provides recommendations for further strengthening the legislative framework to fully implement best practices and standards.
Illegal Wildlife Trade
Progress Report, 2019
This report covers the progress made in combatting illegal wildlife trade (IWT) in Malawi since the first IWT Review was published in 2015. It includes an overview of the recommendations developed in 2015, a review of those measures successfully implemented, and a roadmap for the Government of Malawi and other stakeholders on how to build on these successes and continue to combat IWT.
Mutual Legal Assistance Guidelines, 2019
Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) is a form of cooperation between different countries for the purpose of collecting and exchanging information to assist in criminal investigations or court proceedings. It is a particularly useful tool in the fight against wildlife crimes, which are often transnational in nature. This report serves as a guide on the steps that must be taken to complete an MLA request in relation to wildlife crime.
Wildlife Crime Court Cases Report, 2017
This report presents legal analysis of all available elephant and rhino crime court cases concluded in Malawi since 2010. It also appraises the impact of courtroom monitoring and public-private prosecution on wildlife crime court outcomes, both of which were introduced in Malawi in July 2016. The purpose of this analysis was to develop a series of recommendations on the management and reporting of wildlife crime. All findings are based on data collected from courts across the country.
Sentencing Guidelines for Wildlife Crimes, 2017
The Sentencing Guidelines for Wildlife Crimes in Malawi Courts were developed to support the judiciary in determining appropriate sentences for wildlife crime. The Guidelines outline the purpose of sentencing and provide a detailed guide to the penalty provisions in the National Parks and Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2017.
Illegal Wildlife Trade
Review, 2015
This landmark report is a comprehensive technical review of illegal wildlife trade in Malawi. The report analyses wildlife crime data, wildlife legislation, enforcement capacity and agencies, judiciary and prosecution services and the drivers of wildlife crime. The Review provides a series of recommended tasks and actions to tighten legislation, enhance enforcement efforts and increase prosecution rates and sentences faced by criminals.
