Malawi Officials Urge Ecotourism Development in Elephant Marsh Area
Officials hope the updated management plan will balance conservation efforts with sustainable tourism development in the Elephant Marsh area.
NSANJE, Malawi— Stakeholders in Malawi's Elephant Marsh are being encouraged to promote ecotourism by conserving the area's natural environment, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Wesley Kawaye, Division Manager for Lower Shire Division, made the appeal Tuesday during a community consultation on the Elephant Marsh Management Plan and Ecotourism Strategy in Bangula Trading Centre, Nsanje district.
The meeting aimed to gather community input for a new five-year management plan, set to run from 2024 to 2029.
The previous plan expired in 2023.
"The major element is that of the natural and cultural aspects which is more important when it comes to the ecotourism in the Elephant Marsh," Kawaye said.
The new plan will incorporate an ecotourism strategy to address gaps in the previous version.
Group Village Headman Ntchenyera welcomed the consultation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. He called for improved infrastructure to support tourism.
"There is a need to have an office where tourists coming to the area should be able to sign in," the traditional leader said.
Officials hope the updated management plan will balance conservation efforts with sustainable tourism development in the Elephant Marsh area.