WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY OF MALAWI

The Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi(WESM) was formed in 1947 as the Nyasaland Fauna Preservation Society. When Malawi became independent the name changed to the National Fauna Preservation Society. In line with the broadening of perspectives worldwide, the name was changed in 1989 to The Wildlife Society of Malawi and then in 2001 to its present name.

A National Secretariat was established in Limbe in 1992 to assist with the co-ordination of an expanding Society.

There are now nine Branches nationwide, Balaka, Blantyre, Dwangwa, Lilongwe, Monkey Bay, Mulanje and Zomba.

The Branches enjoy a large degree of autonomy and each according to its capacity and financial resources, including on occasion donor support, has its preferred conservation activity.

Blantyre Branch gives considerable support to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) mainly, although not exclusively, in the Southern Region. It provides a Snare Bounty for Lengwe, Mwabvi and Michiru and meets various other expenses from time to time for Lengwe including the funding of a road into the Lengwe Extension Area. Funds have also been obtained for the rehabilitation of the Lengwe Students’ Hostel and provision of a large water tank.

On Michiru Mountain Nature Sanctuary the Branch funds six patrolmen in support of DNPW scouts, the maintenance of the Environmental Education Centre and the educational displays. It has funded a Hyaena Hide, an ablution block, a small dam, trail maintenance and minor road works. It also obtained funding for eight scout houses.

Over one hundred Wildlife Clubs are affiliated to the Branch which receive a newsletter, Nantchengwa magazine, visits and support from our Wildlife Clubs’ Co-ordinator including a subsidy for trips to National Parks.

For our members, monthly talks are arranged on a wide range of conservation topics and they receive a monthly newsletter. Outings are also arranged such as a Mwabvi camping weekend, Majete Crossover walk, Michiru Family Day and since 1966 the Lengwe Annual Game Count which takes place every October.

The present Blantyre Branch subscription rates are:-

Ordinary (Family and Individuals) - MK1000
Volunteers ( Peace Corps, VSO etc) & Students - MK 300
Corporate - MK 10,000
Wildlife Club - MK 200

Paul Taylor
Blantyre Branch Chairman

Tel: 01 669 249
Email: wesmbt @ africa-online.net