Nyika-Vwaza Management Complex
Key Facts
Countries
Malawi
Area
4 072 km²
Management Model
Integrated Co-management
Animals Rewilded
34
The Nyika-Vwaza Complex forms the ecological backbone of the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area. Together, Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve protect one of Malawi’s most important natural landscapes, safeguarding montane grasslands, forests and wetlands that contribute an estimated 10% of the annual freshwater flowing into Lake Malawi, supporting around 10 million people through food, income and livelihoods.
The landscape is recognised for its exceptional biodiversity, supporting species and habitats found nowhere else in Malawi while providing vital water resources, tourism opportunities and livelihoods for surrounding communities. Protecting these natural assets is critical not only for conservation, but for Malawi’s long-term environmental and economic resilience.
In 2025, the Government of Malawi and Peace Parks established the Nyika-Vwaza Co-management Trust, creating a long-term governance and management model for the landscape. By managing Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve as one connected landscape, the Trust is building the institutions, partnerships and sustainable financing needed to ensure the landscape endures for generations to come.
Focus Areas
Our focus areas below reflect some of the long-term work underway in the Nyika-Vwaza Management Complex.
Water Security
Protecting one of Malawi’s most important water catchments.
Biodiversity Conservation
Safeguarding unique grasslands, forests, wetlands and wildlife that support significant wildlife populations and some of southern Africa’s most important high-altitude ecosystems.
Building the Trust
Strengthening Malawi’s long-term model for integrated protected area management.
Community Partnership
Supporting livelihoods, water access and human-wildlife coexistence.
Sustainable Conservation Finance
Building long-term financial resilience through tourism and strategic investment.
Stories from Nyika-Vwaza
Conservation at this scale cannot be done alone.
Long-term conservation depends on partners prepared to invest in the future of these landscapes through funding, expertise, technology and long-term commitment.