Nyika-Vwaza Trust Advances Research and Environmental Education In Malawi

The Nyika-Vwaza (UK) Trust has shared the latest developments from its conservation, research and environmental education programmes in its Autumn 2026 newsletter, with significant progress being made across the Nyika Plateau, Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve and beyond.

New Research Coordinator appointed

One of the key developments is the appointment of George M’manga as Research Coordinator for the Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust, which oversees management activities within the protected areas and surrounding communities under the co-management agreement between the Malawi Government and Peace Parks Foundation.

George previously received support from the Trust for research into the relationship between honey hunters and honeyguides and holds a Master’s degree in Forestry and Environmental Management from Mzuzu University. His new role will see him plan and commission research that can help guide future management of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. The Nyika-Vwaza (UK) Trust has committed £150,000 over three years to support the research programme, including funding the Research Coordinator role.

Environmental education reaches more schools

Environmental education also remains an important part of the Trust’s work. Lilongwe Wildlife Trust continues to work alongside the Malawi Institute of Education, Directorate of Quality Assurance Services and other partners to integrate the Wildlife and Environmental Education Sourcebook into Malawi’s new primary school curriculum.

The programme is expanding through the distribution of printed resources, community radio and television programmes, local-language materials and teacher training. Training taking place during August and September 2026 is set to reach more than 90 schools across six pilot districts.

Learners have also been given opportunities to experience conservation first-hand through educational visits to Liwonde and Kasungu National Parks, learning about ecosystems, wildlife behaviour and some of the threats facing Malawi’s natural environment.

Research continues across Nyika and Vwaza

A number of Trust-supported research projects are now progressing in the field. At Lake Kazuni in Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, researchers are studying its fish populations through traditional field sampling as well as eDNA metabarcoding. Water samples collected from five locations around the lake have now been returned to the University of Malawi laboratory for DNA analysis, with results expected to provide further insight into the lake’s fish community.

Other ongoing studies are examining the health and regeneration of Brachystegia boehmii woodland in Nyika National Park, elephant impacts on woody vegetation within the Nyika Elephant Sanctuary and the relationship between fruiting plants and important bird species.

Together, these projects continue the Trust’s long-term focus on using scientific research and environmental education to support the conservation of two of northern Malawi’s most important protected landscapes.

Read the latest newsletter here.