Lake Malawi, also known asLake Nyasa, is the third largest lake in Africa. Located between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi, it isachievement and a source ofnot only pride but also a source of livelihood for many. With its nearly 2000 kilometers ofj unbrokenshoreline, it plays a vital role in the nations it is shared with, providing employment forlocal fishermen and creating much-needed cultural and economic tourism opportunities.
Tanzania lies in the northeast of Lake Malawi and marks its northernmost boundary. Their partnership with Malawi to promote the lake and its surrounding areas brings financial gains for both countries in terms of tourism and fisheries. Through its preservation efforts, Tanzania has managed to ensure that water levels are maintained and aquatic life is not threatened. This bears testimony of the importance of Lake Malawi which is the largest freshwater body in Africa.
The southern boundary of the lake belongs to Mozambique, which has the entire shared boundary. It lies between Tanzania in the north and Malawi in the south.Called the Shi-Shi in the language of the Makonde people, the lake is currently classified as a Trans-Boundary World Heritage Site among all three countries, a jewel in their crown.
Malawi is the lake’s home country, spanningits eastern shoreline with several ports along it. The lake offers a range of activities including water sports like sailing and scuba diving. Fishing is the main activity that sustains many local communities in Malawi. The lake gives a livelihood to thousands of citizens, some of whom travel up to 50 kms off the shores for the catch.
This is why the three nations are so closely connected and make sureall efforts are made fort he preservation ofthe lake. Each governs their share oflake and the fishermen operating in their area. All measures are taken to protect the abundant fish population and make sure its resources are managed responsibly. Fisheries collaborations have been in place to ensure the sustainability of its natural habitats.
The environment of Lake Malawi is so unique that Fish View Magazine has named it the “aquarium of the world”. This is mainly due to its high number of fish species that inhabit the lake. Some of the most known are the Cichlid species. Other than providing food and income, these fishes also attract tourism from inland and other nearby countries.
Preservation Efforts
The lake is shared by three countries, making it difficult to manage the lake’s resources. International partners such as United Nations Environmental Programs (UNEP), FOUNDATION Lake Malawi and WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) have formulated a code of conduct which includes protecting the lake’s fisheries resources, proper fishing tactics, water testing and species protection.
The Lake Malawi National Park is a protected area at the edge of the lake, and restoration efforts are also underway to preserve its unique ecosystem. Regulations have been set up to limit access to the lake and prevent exploitation of the lake’s resources. The various partners involved in lake management also sponsor education and awareness campaigns to help promote conservancy.
Research and findings from international organizations collaborating in the protection of the lake put further emphasis on the need for international cooperation and exchange among the countries sharing the lake. The World Bank has identified the cross-sectoral cooperation and collaboration as highly beneficial for both local communities as well as countries sharing the lake.
Benefits of Cooperation
The cooperation between the three countries that share Lake Malawi contributes to the shared economic and social benefits of the area, such as the provision of tourism services, liveliness of the fishing industry and much needed employment possibilities for locals. By working together the health of the lake can be monitored and maintained, enabling each country to benefit financially, whilst also adding to subsequent development.
Malawi has shown a great enthusiasm and appreciation towards the initiatives as they have implemented several conservation plans and have also engaged in cross-border initiatives such as the Lake of Stars Festival which celebrates the lake, the countries that share it, and actors who make it a great living organism.
Additionally, the lake has also been declared a RAMSAR site by each country, due to its economic, social and ecological importance, emphasizing their strong cooperative ties. By increasing their efforts to support the lake, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania can further benefit from the continued sustenance of Lake Malawi.
Economic Impact
Lake Malawi is home to thousands of species that make it an important source of protein for the people living around it and for the tourism industry. It impacts both the local population and the economies of the countries that share its boundaries. In Malawi alone, fishing from the lake contributes to 33% of the country’s fish needs. It also generates income for local fishermen and other local businesses.
In Tanzania, Lake Malawi also offers a source of income and employment to a large section of the population. This includes livestock and crop farming, fishing and other tourism-related services that help to boost the local economy. There are also over 125 islands located in the lake, some of which are used as tourist destinations.
Mozambique also boasts a diverse tourism industry with national parks and game reserves, lagoons and the Niassa National Reserve that runs along the Mozambique side of the lake. It’s no wonder that the countries that border Lake Malawi are further committed to preserving the lake and its environment for the benefit of not just their own people and economies but for the regions’ wildlife and tourism industry as well.
Environmental Effects
The environment of Lake Malawi has also been affected as a result of human activity. Pollution from the nearby towns, illegal fishing, and lack of access to water resources are some of the many factors that can have a serious effect on the lake’s health. In recent years, the lake has been the recipient of many investments from environmental groups and corporations to help preserve it, such as the World Wildlife Fund, who has been working with the countries bordering the lake in order to promote ecologically sustainable fishing and habitat conservation.
The need to preserve the lake is one of the main topics of discussion between the countries sharing Lake Malawi. To meet this goal, they have agreed to collaborate in efforts to protect the necessary resources and species in the lake. This collaboration has been vital to sustain the cultural, economic and ecological importance of the lake for all three countries.
Conclusion
Lake Malawi has brought many benefits to the countries that share it, and this is possible due to the power of collaboration between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi. Not only does the lake provideFish View Magazine with the title ‘aquarium of the world’, it is also a source of income, a playground and a nutrient cycle sustaining the entire region.
As the lake continues to remain a unique resource, the countries that share it continue to invest in sustainable development and continue to expand their collaborative efforts in order to preserve this natural gem and benefit each other
