The Lake Malawi Eco-region has been formally recognized by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) as one of the Global 200 regions with a sensitive ecosystem worthy of conservation. Lake Malawi National Park (LMNP) lies within the Lake Malawi Eco-region and was designated by United Nations in 1984 as a World Heritage Site – in recognition of the high fish species diversity and biological importance of its fauna. The formally pristine Lake Malawi is severely over-fished, threatening to drive to extinction many endemic and endangered fish species.
A dramatic increase in deforestation is another threat caused by the fuel needs of the rural communities lying within and around LMNP. With an increased population competing for diminishing natural resources, the task of conservation and environmental education has to include a comprehensive programme that addresses social issues related to the local population. Nowadays, conservation of natural resources, health, environmental and economic development, are all inextricably intertwined.
The Environmental Education Centre was constructed at Mvuu Camp (Liwonde National Park), as well as the Women’s Handicrafts Group at Makanga Gate (also Liwonde National Park). In addition WWF Finland constructed The HEEED Centre in Chirombo Bay and the Panda Garden in Chembe village, both with their demonstration aquaculture ponds and vegetable gardens – seeking to address the needs of communities adjacent to Lake Malawi National Park.
In 2004, WWF Finland founded and funded HEEED, as an NGO, which is now carrying on these initiatives – having received its first 3-year WWF Finland grant in January 2006. HEEED (NEDI) is a local Malawian NGO, with a Board of Trustees, a Constitution, was registered No. NEDI TR/INC 2053 with the Malawi Ministry of Justice in 2004 and subsequently became a member of CONGOMA. HEEED stands for Health, Education, Environment, and Economic Development. HEEED continues to promote the original goals set by WWF Finland.
The HEEED Environmental Education Programme set up by WWF Finland has been a particularly important legacy left to the communities adjacent to both Liwonde and Lake Malawi National Parks. The Environmental Education Centre was constructed at Mvuu Camp (Liwonde National Park) by HEEED, as well as the Women’s Handicrafts Group at at Makanga Gate (also Liwonde National Park). Primary schools in both areas have benefitted and Chembe Secondary School has an ongoing educational programme with HEEED. In addition, WWF Finland constructed The HEEED Centre in Chirombo Bay and the Panda Garden in Chembe village, both with their demonstration aquaculture ponds and vegetable gardens – particularly drought-resistant species – seeking to address the needs of communities adjacent to Lake Malawi National Park.
HEEED has also been the recipient of generous donations from various individuals and organizations, (Skyband, Rotary, United Nations Development Programme, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), among others. For more information click here.
Dr. Kenneth McKaye and Alison Wiklund are active Trustees of HEEED, as well as Advisors for HEEED Environmental Education programmes and they welcome suggestions from those interested in both the well-being and health of Lake Malawi National Park and the surrounding communities.