By Jones Gadama

Principal Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungura, has emphasized the need for Malawi to invest in proper planning and programming to effectively protect its biodiversity.

Speaking in Salima during a mid-project forum for the Spatial Biodiversity Assessment and Planning Project (SBAPP) Regional Project, Mkungura highlighted the importance of planning in sustainable biodiversity conservation.

The SBAPP project, led by the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) with support from the Government of France, aims to improve spatial biodiversity assessments and planning in Southern Africa.

The project involves Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique, and is designed to promote sustainable development and conservation of biodiversity in the region.

Mkungura noted that without proper planning, it is impossible to sustainably protect biodiversity or measure progress. “We cannot sustainably protect our biodiversity or measure progress without proper planning,” he said.

He emphasized the need for Malawi to invest in planning and programming to ensure the effective conservation of its biodiversity.

The French Embassy Climate Counsellor, Ghousse Gaffar, reiterated the Government of France’s commitment to supporting the SBAPP project.

“We support this project to stop misuse and ensure conservation,” Gaffar said. The project is expected to contribute significantly to the conservation of biodiversity in the region and promote sustainable development.

The SBAPP project is a critical initiative that will help Malawi and other participating countries to improve their biodiversity conservation efforts.

By investing in proper planning and programming, Malawi can ensure the sustainable protection of its biodiversity and promote economic development that is environmentally friendly.

The project’s focus on spatial biodiversity assessments and planning will provide valuable insights and tools for policymakers and conservationists to make informed decisions about biodiversity conservation.