Conserving Malawi’s Chia Lagoon through a Community-led Approach

Chia Lagoon covers 17 square kilometers and supports diverse ecosystems.
By Ausward Bonongwe & Temwanani Kalulu
Located approximately 24 kilometers south of Nkhotakota town in Central Malawi, Chia Lagoon is the largest lagoon in the country. The lagoon covers an impressive 17 square kilometers in the middle of a watershed that stretches across approximately 989 square kilometers. Chia Lagoon supports diverse ecosystems and is home to various species, including Banded Tilapia (Tilapia sparrmanii), and a wide variety of bird species such as Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola), and the Lesser Masked Weaver (Ploceus intermedius), Further, it supports the livelihoods of more than 7,857 households, including farmers, fishermen and bird hunters.

In 2023, BirdLife International and its National Partner the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM), in collaboration with Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the MicroLoan Foundation, began implementing the “Community Approach to Waterbird Resources Management at Chia Lagoon” project. The project, funded by the UK government through Darwin Initiative, aims at restoring the vital Chia Lagoon ecosystem, reversing declines in vulnerable bird species, and improving local livelihoods.
As part of the project implementation activities, WESM has established community-based sustainable hunting groups to conserve waterbirds through the establishment of bird sanctuaries and habitat restoration activities. In March 2023, the project facilitated the first bird guiding training, with 180 hunters trained on how to identify and record bird species as part of capacity building in avitourism. Additionally, the project procured, distributed, and supervised the planting of 6,000 tree seedlings as part of restoration activities of degraded areas around Chia Lagoon, covering 8.1 hectares.

Further, 13,597 trees seedlings including Albizia lebbeck, Khaya nyasica, in addition to fruit trees such as guavas, mangos and oranges are currently in nurseries. It is envisaged that the trees will be instrumental in the restoration of degraded land, approximately 18.39 hectares in size. In February 2021, WESM, MUST and the Fisheries Department carried out a bird sanctuary mapping exercise, with 15 bird sanctuaries mapped out within the lagoon.
“By involving the community in conservation efforts, we not only protect the environment but also create economic opportunities through tourism. Chia Lagoon is a hidden gem. Its potential as a tourism hotspot could transform the local economy and protect its biodiversity for future generations”, notes Chifundo Dalireni, the Project’s Coordinator at WESM.
A key element of the project is improving livelihoods. Consequently, the project has partnered with MicroLoan Foundation to provide loans to the local communities. In March 2024 the project conducted a two-day business management training attended by 180 bird hunters including 79 women and 101 women. Following this training, two micro-loan clusters made up of 19 and 15 men and women respectively were established, with 6.5 million Malawian Kwacha (US$ 3900) given out, in the first phase of the loan disbursement.
Women from local communities like Prisca Banda a 35-year-old female entrepreneur, have benefited greatly from these loans.
“I received a loan of MK150,000 to expand my zitenje (cloth) and fish business. With the profits, I bought a bicycle, repaid the loan with interest, and I’ve been able to support my family of six. This loan has made a huge difference in my life. I’m more financially independent, and my family’s standard of living has improved, and now, we no longer engage in unstainable practices in the Lagoon”, says Banda.
“Through the support from micro loans, I have been able to pay school fees, and I am now in the process of expanding my business to diversify the farm products I sell to include rice and watermelons”, says Zainab Amis, a 45-year old female entrepreneur who runs a farm produce business selling tomatoes and onions.

“The project’s benefits are clear. Our community depends on Chia Lagoon for both food and income. The project has given us hope for a better future, where both the environment and the people can thrive together”, says Andrew Thupilauma, a traditional leader in Kalimanjira.
Moving forward, the project intends to work hand in hand with various stakeholders including the (Nkhotakota District Council to promote sustainable livelihoods , while ensuring the conservation of Chia Lagoon’s biodiversity.
“This project represents a unique opportunity to bring together conservation and community livelihoods,We are not just protecting the environment but also enhancing the lives of people who rely on Chia Lagoon’s resources for their survival ”, concludes Blessings Chingagwe, WESM”s Programmes Manager.

Header photo: A section of the Chia Lagoon © Gift Maluwa

“This project represents a unique opportunity to bring together conservation and community livelihoods.”
Blessing Chingagwe, WESM Programs Manager