* The theme for this year’s joint commemorate of World Environment Day and International Day for Biological Diversity
* It reflects Malawi’s urgent call to tackle the growing threats of plastic pollution and biodiversity loss
* Following the ban on the use of thin plastics, Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) is strengthening the regulations and penalties to deter manufacturing companies
By Nellie Nyirenda & Lesnat Kenan, MANA
Be in ‘Harmony with Nature: end plastic pollution for sustainable development is the theme that has been mooted by Ministry of Natural Resources & Climate Change in the joint commemoration of World Environment Day and the International Day for Biological Diversity on Thursday June 5 to be held at Chongole Primary School grounds in Nkhotakota.
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A statement Secretary for Natural Resources & Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungula says the theme reflects “Malawi’s urgent call to restore the balance between human development and the environment by tackling the growing threats of plastic pollution and biodiversity loss”.
He added that the Ministry “is implementing several initiatives to restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and curb plastic pollution” — thus encourages the public “to reduce the use of single-use plastics, adopt reusable alternatives, and recycle plastics and other materials responsibly”.
The theme for the commemoration is relevant as the country reflects how use of thin plastics is affecting the biodiversity.
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Meanwhile, following the ban on the use of thin plastics in the country, Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) Director General, Wilfred Kadewa says the authority has strengthened the regulations and penalties to deter manufacturing companies.
At a press briefing in Lilongwe on the status of enforcement of the regulations on the ban of thin plastics in Malawi, Kadewa said thin plastics ban was issued to address issues of pollution in water bodies, soils and landscape — and its impact to wildlife and livestock.
Since the ban on manufacturing and use of thin plastics on February 10, 2025, Kadewa said MEPA has been conducting inspections to companies to ensure that they comply with the rules.
MEPA Director General Wilfred Kadewa (right) and MEPA Board chair, Robert Kafakoma during the press briefing
“When we conduct our inspections in Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Blantyre cities, we want to check compliance on manufacturing and we have found that majority of manufacturing companies are complying because they understand what the ban means.”
He added that there is still a lot of plastics on the market which he said some are imported from neighboring countries and the authority has engaged officials from Mchinji border to be on alert in order to intercept the contraband.
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On his part, MEPA Board chair, Robert Kafakoma appealed to manufactures, retailers and every citizen to support and respect the laws designed to preserve the environment.
He added that the authority encourages the public to use environmentally friendly alternative packaging materials, reusable, recyclable and biodegradable materials such as baskets.
Malawi developed the environment management (plastic regulations) in 2015, in response to the environmental and health problems associated with plastics.—Edited by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
