The Nyika-Vwaza Trusts are the only Malawian and UK trusts solely dedicated to conserving the precious wildlife and habitats of Northern Malawi, in particular the Nyika National Park and the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Although protected by law, these are delicate ecosystems vulnerable to the ravages of fire and neglect through lack of financial resources.
The driving force behind the establishment in 2003 of the Trust in Malawi was David Foot. David lived on the Nyika until 2008. During his time there he saw a marked degradation in both the habitats and wildlife of the Nyika and Vwaza Marsh. David realised that unless new financing and a fresh impetus to park management implementation was provided these two areas would probably cease to exist as viable wildlife areas in a matter of a generation.
The Trust began operations in the Nyika National Park in early 2004 and concentrated on some basic but essential park management tasks. These tasks included implementing the “early controlled burn programme”, control of exotic species and road maintenance. The Trust offered assistance to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in various ways and, in the more recent times, has been able to support a number of community based initiatives.
From the outset the Trust made the decision to involve residents of the villages on the peripheries of the Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Specifically this has meant employing local people to work for the Trust. At certain times of the year, we employ as many as 60 people and there is no doubt they realise they are doing a very important and worthwhile job.
The Wilderness Foundation UK is pleased to be associated with the work of the Nyika-Vwaza Trusts. For further information on their work please click here.
