Although Elephant Marsh is not classified as a national protected area, efforts are still made to preserve this important catchment area, which sustains both human life and wildlife.
Lying in the flood plain of the lower Shire River, the marsh provides water for local communities and their livestock. A revenue-sharing scheme through Wildlife Fund Order allows the government to share revenue gained from tourist fees.
Through the Kasungu Treasury Fund and Lake Malawi Treasury Fund, the money goes towards health, education and human welfare.
Tackling climate change is top of the conservation agenda and the development of carbon agreements with participating international states is well under way. Private as well as government institutions work closely with local communities on projects to tackle deforestation in protected areas.
