Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy

07/05/2026

📍 Community Awareness on ESHIA Findings and Mining Governance – Phalombe

Last week, under the Brot für die Welt funded JET Project, we conducted an awareness activity in Phalombe to strengthen community understanding of the Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) findings and key mining governance issues related to the Songwe Hill Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project.

The two day event brought together community structures, CSOs, and District Council representatives for an in-depth discussion on key findings from the report.

An awareness session was held in the area of T/A Maoni, where community members were engaged on mining, environment, and community rights.
Information flyers on mining governance and key ESHIA findings were also distributed to support wider community understanding and access to information.

Through the JET Project, we remain committed to empowering communities with information, strengthening citizen participation, and promoting accountable, and sustainable mining governance in Malawi.

30/04/2026

Faith leaders as frontline advocates for climate justice:

Through the voices for climate justice project, CEPA together with NCA-DCA in Malawi and CADECOM mobilized faith leaders to deepen their understanding on climate justice. Our collective goal was to link Faith teachings to climate justice and environmental stewardship. The platform also built their capacity to influence communities and hold duty bearers accountable.

The project is being implemented by CEPA and CADECOM supported by the Embassy of Ireland through NCA-DCA.

10/04/2026

📍 Community Awareness on Mining Rights – Balaka

Yesterday, we held a community awareness meeting in Balaka, Senior Chief Nsamala, to strengthen community understanding of mining laws, rights, and responsibilities; especially on issues of land, environment, and community benefits.

The meeting created a platform for communities to:
✅ Ask questions on mining activities in their area
✅ Raise concerns affecting their livelihoods
✅ Engage duty bearers and demand accountability

Communities have a voice, and when informed and actively engaged, they can influence decisions and ensure mining benefits are shared fairly and responsibly.

CEPA is implementing the Strengthening Inclusive Governance of the Extractive Sector in Malawi for Just Energy Transition (JET) project, with support from Brot für die Welt.

Department of Mining Mw, Malawi Environment Protection Authority, and Balaka District Council.

05/04/2026

🌱 Strengthening partnerships in enhancing climate resilience 🤝🌍

The Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA), in collaboration with the Farmers Union of Malawi , recently conducted a joint review meeting on Agricultural Resilience through Climate Services (ARCS) project, funded by Development Fund Norway . The meeting brought together officers from the Department of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES) and Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) in Mzimba and Rumphi.

The meeting focused on jointly reviewing progress and planning upcoming ARCS project activities, with a strong emphasis on strengthening partnerships in provision of Climate Information Services (CIS). CEPA, FUM, and government partners reaffirmed their commitments to reducing vulnerability to climate shocks, enhancing community resilience, and ensuring food security among farming communities.

🌦️ CEPA remains dedicated to ensuring access to timely and reliable weather and climate information as well as contextualised, actionable agricultural advisories contributing to resilient and sustainable agricultural and food systems.

01/04/2026

🌦️🌱 Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow

Yesterday, the Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA) participated in this year’s commemoration of World Meteorological Day, joining the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services in recognizing the critical role of weather and climate observations in strengthening the Early Warning value chain.

This Years theme “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” highlighted how accurate and continuous monitoring of the atmosphere, oceans, and land forms the backbone of reliable weather forecasts, climate monitoring, and effective disaster risk reduction.

At the event, farmers benefiting from Weather and Advisory Services under the Agriculture Resilience through Climate Services (ARCS) programme, funded by the Development Fund of Norway, showcased inspiring stories. The farmers testified on making informed decisions such as:

✅ Timely land preparation and planting
✅ Improved water management through proper drainage systems
✅ Strategic pest and disease control
✅ Adoption of climate-smart practices like staggered planting and crop diversification

These changes are strengthening resilience, improving yields, and reducing vulnerability to climate shocks in farming communities.

CEPA remains committed to promoting access to climate information services and empowering communities to act early, adapt better, and secure their livelihoods.

31/03/2026

Weather and climate affect every aspect of our lives, from the food we eat to the air we breathe. Today, we celebrate the vital role of meteorology in keeping communities safe and informed.

30/03/2026

Today is International Zero Waste Day. A reminder that we all need to play a role to care for the environment. To avoid pollution and resource loss, let us Reduce, Recycle, Refuse, Reuse and Restore.

26/03/2026

As we close Women's Month, CEPA proudly observes the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Every day reminds us that supporting women farmers is critical and not merely for fairness, but for:
✅ sustainability,
✅ food security, and
✅ honoring their contributions.
Malawi must invest in these champions of agriculture, amplify their expertise, and stand with them.

20/03/2026

⚒️ Strengthening Community Voices in Mining Governance – Phalombe

Last week, CEPA facilitated a capacity building session in Phalombe District (T/A Maoni) with key local structures — ADC, Mining Action Groups, and the Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee.

The training focused on:
📌 Mining governance
📌 Community rights & responsibilities
📌 Advocacy and stakeholder engagement
📌 Grievance documentation and escalation

Through interactive discussions, participants strengthened their ability to collectively advocate for community rights and effectively engage duty bearers on mining-related issues.

This activity was conducted under the Strengthening Inclusive Governance of the Extractive Sector in Malawi for a Just Energy Transition (JET) Project, with support from Brot für die Welt

👏 Special thanks to our facilitators: Department of Mining Mw, Malawi Human Rights Commission, Phalombe District Council

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08/03/2026

25/02/2026

🌍🎉 We are excited to officially launch the Voices for Climate Justice Project!

CEPA, together with Norwegian Church Aid Malawi (NCA-DCA) and Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM), is proud to launch this 15-month initiative funded by the Embassy of Ireland.

The Voices for Climate Justice: Empowering Malawi’s Vulnerable Communities for a Resilient and Just Future project seeks to amplify community voices, strengthen accountability in climate and environmental governance, promote responsible natural resource management, and safeguard women, youth, and children most affected by climate shocks.

Implementation will be led nationally by CEPA and at district level by CADECOM in Zomba and Mangochi. Together, we are advancing a more resilient and climate-just future for Malawi 🌱💪