Malawi is set to host the 5th African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage from March 25 to 27 in Lilongwe, according to Atlas Malawi. Julius Ng'oma, the National Coordinator for the Civil Society Network on Climate Change, announced on Thursday that the event will focus on equitable climate financing and the establishment of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. Ng'oma stated that the conference aims to strengthen Africa's collective voice in global climate negotiations as the continent continues to face severe climate impacts, including floods, droughts, and extreme weather events.
Meanwhile, the threat of extreme weather remains high across the country. The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services issued a weather advisory on Tuesday, warning of persistent heavy rains and potential flooding along the lakeshore, particularly in Nkhotakota and Nkhata Bay. This extreme weather is being driven by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. Furthermore, a March 12 update from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned of continued heavy rainfall and high flooding risks across Malawi and neighbouring southern African countries in the coming week.
In conservation news, a community science initiative led by the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi is working to protect fruit bats in Mangochi District, the organisation announced on Tuesday. Supported by the Rufford Foundation, the project has trained rangers at Lake Malawi National Park and engaged local schools in conservation education. The initiative aims to safeguard fruit bat populations, which researchers note are essential for seed dispersal and natural forest regeneration in tropical ecosystems.