Lessons from the wild at Liwonde – The Times Group

Revolutionizing Business in Malawi: Insights from Liwonde’s Untamed Economy

Post was last updated: June 13, 2025

Key Business Points

  • Invest in Environmental Education: The reopening of the Liwonde Environmental Education Centre highlights the importance of investing in environmental education and conservation awareness in Malawi.
  • Partnerships and Collaborations: The centre’s success demonstrates the value of partnerships between government, non-profit organizations, and local communities in driving growth and development.
  • Tourism and Conservation: The centre’s growing reputation as a hub for conservation learning attracts visitors from across the country, presenting opportunities for tourism and conservation-related businesses to thrive.

The Liwonde Environmental Education Centre, located in Liwonde National Park, has rapidly become a vital hub for growing conservation awareness and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. After a two-year conceptualisation and construction period, the centre reopened in 2024 with upgraded facilities designed to provide dynamic and interactive learning experiences. The centre’s revitalized space accommodates a diverse range of educational activities, including camp sessions, media presentations, and workshops, all aimed at deepening an understanding of and appreciation for the natural world.

The centre’s hostel accommodation has proven invaluable in allowing students to extend their stays and forge a stronger connection with Liwonde’s unique ecosystems and wildlife. Statistics from African Parks show that over the past year, 664 visitors utilized the overnight facilities, with 69 percent receiving sponsorship. The figures highlight the park’s commitment to ensuring access to environmental education for the 113 schools and surrounding communities.

The reopening of the Centre is part of a broader educational support network being developed in Malawi by African Parks at Liwonde, Majete, and Nkhotakota National Parks. This includes scholarships, school construction, and literacy programmes, addressing the critical need for educational opportunities in rural communities. Furthermore, environmental education programs and wildlife clubs are being established in villages surrounding the park, expanding environmental awareness among Malawi’s youth.

Liwonde National Park, a Zambezian ecosystem covering 54,800 hectares, is ecologically linked to the Mangochi Forest Reserve, which covers 35,800 hectares in the southern part of Malawi. African Parks signed a management partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for Liwonde in 2015 and has been responsible for park operations since. The park’s commitment to conservation and education is paying off, with the Liwonde Environmental Education Centre attracting visitors from over 600 kilometers away, highlighting its growing reputation as an inspirational space for conservation learning. By equipping young minds with the tools to understand and appreciate the natural world, the centre is shaping a generation that will continue to advocate for its protection, ensuring that the lessons learned within the park’s boundaries ripple far beyond them.

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Vanessa Banda
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