Lake Malawi is located in the southeast African Great Rift Valley, and it is the second deepest lake in Africa and the ninth largest in the world. It is home to more species of fish than any other freshwater lake in the planet, some of which are only found in this lake. It is also an important resource for those living around its shores and out of the 8 million people that depend on the lake for their livelihood, 80% are subsistence fishers. As such, it is essential to know who owns such a valuable body of water.
The plain answer to this question is that Lake Malawi is owned by the countries that border it, specifically Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania; international law states that a country may exercise jurisdiction up to 12 miles beyond its territorial boundary, thus the countries have exclusive control over the entire lake and the resources it contains. This has been in effect since the Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty of 1890.
However, this is not the whole story as an expansive area beyond the 12-mile limit is also affected by the lake’s activities. The network of complex transboundary resources, such as the now-threatened species of fish and the diverse communities that rely on the lake, are a cause of concern for authorities. Economist and researcher Terry Ma calls this the “spill-over effect”, where the proficiencies and effects of one nation reach out beyond their borders and affect those of others.
The catch is that both international laws and the countries’ own legal frameworks are merely declarations on paper. Due to a lack of resources and unable to enforce them, the governments are unable to keep all illegal activities in check. According to Themistocles Zamir, president of the Mozambique chapter of the World Association of Fisheries, overfishing from trawlers from Tanzania, Kenya and China is putting the lake’s fragile ecosystem and species at risk. As a result, locals are increasingly unable to find food in the lake and are forced to live on other resources, mostly outside the country.
To understand the complexity of who owns Lake Malawi and all the resources in it, it is imperative to look at it from the historical perspective. The natural ownership of the lake lies with the African people living in the countries along its shores. According to oral history and legal documents, the local community has been using the lake and its resources for over a century. Activists suggest that the local people should be recognized as the rightful owners of Lake Malawi.
However, despite the international treaties, the dominance and power of the three countries that have control over the lake has made it difficult to establish full ownership. By recognizing the local community, the countries could achieve a collaborative and sustainable management of the lake that takes into account the needs and concerns of everyone living near the lake. This would result in a more comprehensive solution to the lake’s problems that could restore the lake as an important resource for all.
Impact of Foreign Companies
Large foreign companies have been active in the area for some time now, with Chinese companies in particular monopolizing the Lake Malawi fishing industry. This has caused a decrease in the yield of some nutrients, negatively impacting the health of natural ecosystems. Moreover, many locals have been completely excluded from the exploitations of the lake’s resources, as foreign companies tend to hire people from other areas or countries.
In addition, local communities are not receiving the benefits they should from the lake. These companies are exploiting natural resources without investing anything in the local communities, thus contributing to the increasing poverty and inequality in the area.
The already existing fishing regulations are not enough to prevent large companies from overfishing, hence treaties between the three bordering countries and foreign investors are needed for the communities to receive their fair share of benefits. Moreover, local fishermen must be granted access to the fish, since it is the main source of food for many of them.
Environmental Hazards
Aside from fishing activities, some of the biggest local threats to the lake come from agricultural and urban land use, deforestation and climate change. According to a report from the International Water Management Institute, water insecurity is becoming a major issue in Lake Malawi, with the small season rains increasingly impacting the water flow and the temperature of the lake.
Water pollution, which is primarily caused by agricultural runoffs and industrial waste, has become an imminent problem in the area. These pollutants act as a fertile ground for unintended species to increase their populations, thus destroying the lake’s delicate ecosystems. Since the lake is a major source of freshwater for the region, pollution poses a major health danger for the local communities.
In addition, Lake Malawi is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Reports show that the lake is facing a decrease in water levels and in the number of fish stocks. This can be attributed to heavy downpours and droughts, both of which affect not only the lake, but also the communities that live near it. As such, a change in the policies and the management of the affected resources is necessary to ensure the sustainability of Lake Malawi.
Collaborative Efforts to Sustain Lake Malawi
A number of solutions have been proposed to ensure lasting and sustainable use of the lake and its resources, as well as to protect its delicate ecosystems from further harm. One such proposal calls for a transnational water management agreement and a coordinated fishing policy between the three countries that border the lake. This would allow for equal access to and conservation of the lake’s resources.
The African Union’s blueprint for Lake Malawi, which is expected to be finalized in 2021, could also play a major role in reshaping the management of the lake. The blueprint consists of seven components, with each component aimed at addressing the social, economic and environmental issues affecting the region. It calls for more effective water governance, greater respect for indigenous people’s rights and the protection of vulnerable ecosystems.
The African Union is also establishing plans to establish stronger international agreements and regulations regarding the use of Lake Malawi, as it serves as a source of livelihoods and food security for far too many people in the region. If these are implemented, they could provide processes that ensure the lake is owned and managed responsibly. This could entail the full recognition of the lake’s citizens as its rightful owners, along with the formulation of legally binding commitments that protect the lake’s resources and ecosystems.
Locals’ Role in Protecting Lake Malawi
In addition to the commitments of the three countries that share the lake, local communities’ active participation will be essential in finding lasting solutions. This involvement should include the protection of resources, regulation of activities, as well as the enforcement of laws and regulations. In doing so, communities should focus on the sustainability of the lake’s resources and the development of viable alternatives.
By providing opportunities for communities to become more active in protecting Lake Malawi, more pressure can be put on policy makers and other stakeholders to put the long-term interests of the lake and its citizens first. This will ensure that the lake’s resources are managed in a way that is both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial.
At the same time, communities should also become well-aware of the benefits that Lake Malawi brings to the region. Aside from having a positive environmental impact, the lake also offers valuable resources such as fish, freshwater and ecosystem services that can be used to increase the income and the quality of life of the locals. All of these factors must be taken into account in any discussion about who owns Lake Malawi.
Role of Technology in Protecting the Lake
In order to effectively protect Lake Malawi, the region needs to develop technological solutions that can accurately monitor the lake’s activities and its livelihoods, as well as its resources. technological implementation regarding the lake has been slow in the past due to the limited access to resources, but the advancement of technologies has given more possibility of accuracy and scalability.
Statistical modeling and data collection have enabled researchers to study and understand the effects of climate change on the lake, as well as to detect potential threats such as floods and illegal activities. In addition, machine learning algorithms are being used to accurately identify fish species, while satellite imagery and remote sensing offer a better way to monitor and manage the lake’s resources.
The use of technological solutions could greatly improve the management of Lake Malawi. Not only would it reduce the pressure on local communities to protect the lake, but it could also help to detect illegal activities and to document changes in the lake’s resources and ecosystems. By combining the skills, experience and technology of the local communities and the bordering countries, Lake Malawi can be effectively managed, preserved and sustainably used.
Conclusion
Lake Malawi is a valuable and important resource for the African continent, and with the proper collaborative and sustainable management, it can be an example for the continent and an asset to the people living near its shores. From recognizing the local people as its rightful owners to using technology to monitor and manage the lake, it is essential to ensure that the lake is carefully and responsibly used. If successful, it can be a source of pride and wealth for the entire region.
