Poverty, high illiteracy and population growth rates are some of the causes as well as effects of environmental degradation which need addressing. The country's environmental problems can not be checked if there is no concerted effort to give environmental management the priority it deserves. The Malawi constitution has already provided a basis for this environmental protection.

The governments priority agenda is poverty alleviation to be realised through free primary education, trade liberalization, increased access to credit for the rural population and other policy reforms. It is important therefore that environmental considerations should be mainstreamed into the overall government development policies. The recently expressed aspirations in the Vision 2020 will not be realised if the current rate of environmental degradation is not arrested and reviewed.

The Environment Management Act has given every Malawian a right to a clean and healthy environment but even this can not be achieved if there is no supporting mechanism in place. This document outlines the basis for environmental impact assessment process in Malawi and provides a mechanism for integrating environment and development concerns. It is only through this process that improved living standards for the Malawi people can be achieved and the nation can support protected and managed ecosystems.

It is my sincere hope that this document will stimulate wide spread interest amongst alI those concerned to protect the environment and that every Malawian, including politicians, business persons, students, and many others will give the Environmental Impact Assessment process the support it deserves by using it as a tool in decision making as well as a guide in ensuring that our development endeavours do not lead to unnecessary further degradation.
 
 

F. V.Mayinga Mkandawire
Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs