Attaining sustainable development through environmental stewardship

Overview

The Malawi National State of the Environment and Outlook provides a comprehensive assessment of the country’s environmental conditions, trends, and future pathways. Developed by the Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) with support from UNEP and GRID-Arendal, the report examines how population growth, climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource pressures are shaping Malawi’s development trajectory.

Using the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework and aligned with the Global Environment Outlook methodology, the publication connects scientific evidence with policy action. It assesses the effectiveness of existing environmental governance systems while exploring future scenarios and practical policy options that can support Malawi’s aspirations under Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The report emphasises the importance of environmental stewardship as a foundation for resilient livelihoods, sustainable economic growth, and long-term wellbeing. It also highlights the value of indigenous and local knowledge alongside scientific research in strengthening environmental governance and decision-making.

What You’ll Find

• A national assessment of Malawi’s environment, including land and soils, freshwater, biodiversity, air quality, and climate
• Analysis of the drivers and pressures behind environmental change, including demographic growth, urbanisation, agriculture, mining, and climate impacts
• Future environmental outlook scenarios, including business-as-usual, policy-first, and target-seeking pathways
• Policy recommendations to strengthen environmental governance, resilience, and sustainable resource management
• Insights into the links between environmental change, food security, health, livelihoods, and economic development
• Dedicated chapters on environmental data challenges and opportunities for improved monitoring and decision-making
• A Summary for Policymakers designed to support accessible, evidence-based policy dialogue and planning

Why It Matters

Malawi’s environment underpins the country’s food systems, water security, biodiversity, energy production, and economic development. At the same time, environmental degradation and climate change are increasing risks to livelihoods, ecosystems, and long-term resilience.

This publication offers decision-makers, practitioners, researchers, and communities a shared evidence base for action. By connecting environmental science with policy priorities and development goals, the report supports more integrated and forward-looking approaches to sustainable development.

The inclusion of future scenarios and policy pathways helps identify opportunities to move beyond short-term responses towards transformative environmental stewardship that benefits both people and nature.

Skills: Environmental Policy Environmental Storytelling Environmental policy analysis Field Research Climate Policy and Diplomacy Co-creation Processes Co-creative facilitation Co-production of Knowledge Ocean Policy Research Synthesis marine policy and environmental governance

Tags: Land degradation climate change biodiversity Water resources pollution Environmental Governance Sustainable Development Resilience and adaptation Science-Policy Interface Malawi 2063 SDGs