Towards the end of last year, nearly 20,000 wild animals were rescued during a record-breaking global operation targeting wildlife trafficking networks. The seizures—spanning pangolins, big cats, primates, birds and reptiles—revealed the staggering scale of illegal trade still threatening species worldwide.
Here in Malawi, we’ve continued to support the Government’s fight against serious nature crime. Conviction rates remain over 90% for major wildlife and forestry cases – a positive sign that the judiciary continues to recognise the severity of these offences. Our five-year forestry project has led to over 2,000 convictions so far – underscoring the urgent need to halt deforestation, which is wiping out almost 12,000 hectares of forest each year.
Marcus Westberg
Recent action against corruption, which undermines progress, marks a turning point. The Anti-Corruption Bureau has laid fresh charges against convicted trafficking kingpin Lin Yunhua, and a landmark High Court ruling overturned the attempted early release of his wife, who was jailed for wildlife crimes in 2021.
Marcus Westberg
Our wildlife rescue team responded to a rise in calls for support linked to poaching and snaring, while continuing to provide expert rehabilitation to animals needing long-term care. Among the many patients were pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. This year, we were proud to be re-accredited by the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance for our continued commitment to best practice in animal welfare.
Blue Ant Media
We also celebrated the launch of the new, government-ratified Wildlife and Environmental Education Sourcebook for primary schools – developed using content from our education modules. This marks a major milestone in mainstreaming conservation into the national curriculum.
Kondwani Jere
Putting the needs of people and wildlife at the heart of our work is becoming increasingly urgent. Poverty and food insecurity continues to take a heavy toll on Malawi’s already fragile ecosystems through bushmeat poaching and habitat loss as people are pushed into more desperate measures for survival. That’s why we’ve developed a bold new six-year strategy; alongside our core work on rescuing wildlife, we’re expanding our approach to tackle wider nature crime and to secure healthy landscapes – working closely with communities to build sustainable livelihoods, promote peaceful coexistence, and protect some of Malawi’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
Thoko Chikondi
We’re excited about embracing these new challenges and helping to shift the needle for people and nature in Malawi. To all of our many partners, donors, and volunteers who have been with us this far, a huge thank you. We hope we can count on your support for the years to come.
