Ramsar COP15

A case study of the sustainable use of wetlands

(from the Scaling up guide linked below)

Malawi – The role of traditional knowledge in the conservation and sustainable use of Elephant Marsh Wetland 

Located in Lower Shire, the Elephant Marsh Wetland and its surrounding waters support diverse and unique flora and fauna with internationally significant biodiversity and ecosystem services. The marsh is a source of livelihood to over a million people who are dependent upon the wetland’s natural resources for their food, water, construction materials and cultural identity. 

A survey on traditional knowledge holders carried out by the National Ecosystem Assessment revealed that Elephant Marsh has a well-defined community that possesses a close and profound relationship with the equally well-defined marsh. Local community traditional knowledge allows communities to adapt to floods and droughts through sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services. 

In Elephant Marsh, local women grow traditional crops along the marsh and have been caretakers, offering rites and spiritual practices when in need. Women have also played a role as stewards of water. They play an important role in preserving the resources for present and future generations. Not only do the women ensure availability of quality water for domestic use, but also are essential in making it available for spiritual ceremonies like offering at Mbona in Khulubvi.