The Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) was founded in 1947. It is a membership not-for-profit organisation with a wide range of members which includes companies, institutions, individuals/families and school and community based wildlife clubs.

Since its inception WESM has been the principal national not-for-profit organisation working in the field of wildlife and environmental conservation. Their work is wide-ranging.  They carry out scientific investigations, particularly on endangered species; they run environmental education and awareness campaigns; they lead projects helping communities to make sustainable use of their natural resources.

In 1992 the society established a secretariat with professional staff to support volunteer members in their work. The activities of WESM are governed by its constitution.

WESM has established itself as a significant influence in Malawi at both local and national level;

It has been involved in developing the National Environmental Action Plan.

It has well established links with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the Department of Forestry and the Department of Environmental Affairs as well as other government departments.

It sits on a number of government bodies.

Internationally, it is affliated to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and BirdLife International.  In Malawi it is affiliated to the Co-ordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) and the Council of Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi (CONGOMA).

The society has, over the years, implemented a number of conservation programmes and projects. The society has also been involved with and empowered a number of groups such as school and community wildlife clubs and village Natural Resources Management Committees in natural resources management issues.

The society has 9 branches that are wholly run and managed by members on a voluntary basis.

Vision: "For all people in Malawi to co-exist in harmony with their natural environment"

Mission: "To promote full public participation in the wise management of wildlife, natural resources and the environment in Malawi."

External Strategic Objectives

To conserve and increase the population and ranges of wildlife including the restoration of sites of local, national and international importance in Malawi.

To integrate wildlife and natural resource management for the mutual benefit of the people and wildlife in Malawi.

Internal Strategic Objectives

To be an efficient, effective and self-financing membership organisation advocating the conservation and protection of wildlife and the sustainable use of natural resources.