- National Park & Wildlife Reserve
Governance
Stewardship built on legal accountability, state partnership, community representation, and a commitment to preserving Malawi’s most vital ecosystems.
Governance At A Glance
The Nyika-Vwaza Co-management Trust is an independent Malawian institution established to provide the governance and professional management needed for Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve.
The Government of Malawi retains ownership of both protected areas. The Trust’s Board provides strategic direction and oversight, while the Chief Executive Officer and management team are responsible for day-to-day management and delivery.
How the Trust is Governed
Government of Malawi
Retains ownership of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve and provides the public mandate for their protection.
Nyika-Vwaza Trust Board
Brings together representatives from government, communities and traditional leadership, district authorities, the private sector and conservation partners. The Board sets strategic direction, oversees the Trust’s performance and holds management accountable.
Chief Executive Officer
Reports to the Board and is responsible for implementing its decisions and leading the Trust.
Protected Area Management
The Trust’s management team is responsible for the day-to-day management of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, including people, operations, budgets and delivery against approved plans.
Board of Trustees
The Board is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the Trust. Its shared structure brings different perspectives into decision-making while providing clear accountability for the management of the landscape.
His Honour Justice Edward Twea
Chairman of the board
A retired Judge President of Malawi’s Supreme Court of Appeal, Justice Twea chairs the Trust’s Board and leads its oversight of strategy, governance and accountability.
Mr. Brighton Kumchedwa
Director of National Parks and Wildlife
Mr. Chris Badger
Managing Director, Central African Wilderness Safari
Dr. Francis Mkanda
Senior conservation expert with regional experience
Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe XIII
Representative of Nyika border communities
Dr. Tiwonge Gawa
Ornithologist and university lecturer
Senior Chief Inkosi Mpherembe
Representative of Vwaza border communities
Mr. Benedicto Mwakilama
Experienced private accountant
Mr. Emmanuel Bulukutu
District Commissioner, M'belwa District
Mr. Ghislain Rieb
Peace Parks Foundation representative
Mr. Thomas Chigwenembe
District Commissioner, M'belwa District
Mr. Brad Poole
Peace Parks Foundation representative
Mr. Charles Mhone
District Commissioner, Chitipa District
Mr. Chizamsoka Manda
Retired Parks and Wildlife officer
Mr. Willard Mwambo
District Commissioner, Karonga District
Executive Leadership
The Trust’s Executive Leadership is responsible for implementing the Board’s strategic direction and overseeing the day-to-day management of the Nyika-Vwaza landscape. Working closely with government, communities and partners, the management team ensures that programmes are delivered effectively, resources are managed responsibly and long-term objectives are achieved.
George Nxumayo
Chief Executive Officer
George Nxumayo is the Trust’s first Chief Executive Officer. He is responsible for implementing the Board’s strategy and leading the day-to-day management of the Trust and the protected areas under its management.
Key Documents
The Nyika-Vwaza Co-management Trust is committed to transparency, accountability and responsible governance. This document centre provides access to key governance, planning and reporting documents. As the Trust grows, additional documents will be published here.
Human Wildlife Conflict Management Scheme Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve & Nyika National Park, Malawi
Nyika Vwaza Co-management Trust ChiTumbuka Grievance Mechanism Brochure
Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve
General Management Plan Nyika National Park
General Management Plan Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve
Access to Information
The Nyika-Vwaza Trust is committed to making information available wherever appropriate while respecting legal, contractual and operational requirements. If you are unable to find the information you require, please contact the Trust directly.
Donors & Partners
The long-term management of the Nyika-Vwaza landscape is made possible through the support of our partners.
