About
We should preserve every scrap of biodiversity as priceless while we learn to use it and come to understand what it means to humanity.
– E. O. Wilson
History and Background
Development & Environmental Conservation (DEVECON) was established in January 2019. It’s primary goal is to promote biodiversity conservation and entrepreneurship development in Malawi. Its services range from promoting environmental education, outdoors recreation, creating awareness about Malawian culture, and providing consultancy, research, and advisory services to the biodiversity sector in Malawi, Southern African Development (SADC) and beyond.
Our Vision
DEVECON Vision is to contribute to having a Malawi population that is aware of, and concerned about the environmental and its associated problems, and which has the knowledge, skills, attitudes, motivation, and commitment to work individually and collectively towards finding solutions to the environmental and biodiversity degradation problems.
This Vision will be achieved by upgrading the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and establish a presence as a successful environmental education center, catering to all tiers of society in the Lilongwe city and beyond.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to provide opportunities for the youth and the public to become engaged in solving environmental and biodiversity conservation problems in Malawi and understand the relevance of their contribution to solving the complex environmental issues confronting our planet.
Objectives and Mandate
The Primary Objectives of DEVECON are to:
Scale-up Ecotourism Development & Marketing in Zones A & C, integrating low-carbon operations, resilient infrastructure, and biodiversity protection by:
- Upgrading hospitality facilities, including rehabilitation of nature walking and biking trails, installation of resting benches/shelters along the trails, establishment of bird watching towers, and creation of 3 picnic sites.
- Developing marketing campaigns targeting domestic and international tourists. In 2025, 384 Malawian and 17 international tourists visited the Sanctuary. With improved marketing and facilities, DEVECON expects to quadruple the number of tourists visiting the Sanctuary.
- Scale-up conservation education programs and community partnerships.
- Monitor and evaluate impact (visitor numbers, revenue, conservation outcomes).
Create Awareness and Sensitivity
To the environment and biodiversity, inclusive of key ecosystems in Malawi. In 2025, 994 students, among who 629 (63%) were girls visited the Sanctuary to participate in environmental education. In 2026, the plan is to double the number of students visiting the Sanctuary for environmental education and leisure.
Create Knowledge and Understanding
Of the environment and biodiversity conservation challenges and solutions in the country.
Improve Attitudes
Motivation to improve or maintain environmental quality and biodiversity conservation in the country.
Promote Participation
In activities that lead to the resolution of environmental and biodiversity conservation challenges.
Integrate Environmental Education
With outdoor recreation.
Promote Awareness
About Malawi’s diverse cultures.
Biodiversity is the greatest treasure we have… Its diminishment is to be prevented at all cost.
– Thomas Eisner
Project Stakeholders
DEVECON’s Executive Director and board of trustees are professionals that have had long-term and recognised contribution and commitment to the positive transformation of the environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and entrepreneurship development across the SADC region.
DEVECON Executive Director
Project Advisory Board
Lead Government Department
Project Finance Advisors, Accountants and Auditors
Project Bankers
Executive Management
Project Organogram
