The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has called on Malawians from all walks of life to play an active role in tackling plastic pollution, emphasizing that the recent ban on thin plastics, though a positive step, is not enough on its own to address the growing environmental crisis.

Speaking on Thursday during the opening of a national web seminar (webinar), LUANAR Deputy Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Agnes Mwangwela, stressed the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, describing it as one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the country.

“Walking through our cities, one can’t help but see plastic bags littering the streets, tangled in trees, and polluting streams,” she said. “What once seemed like a harmless convenience has become one of the most persistent environmental threats in Malawi.”

Titled “Is the Ban on Thin Plastic Enough to End Plastic Pollution in Malawi? Reflecting on the Current State, Exploring Our Next Steps,” the virtual event, attended by environmental experts, policymakers, civil society representatives, and concerned citizens, served as a platform to reflect on the effectiveness of Malawi’s ban on thin plastics, which came into effect as part of government efforts to reduce plastic waste.

Associate Professor Mwangwela also acknowledged the government's commitment to tackling the crisis, stating, “The recent ban on thin plastics is a clear sign of the government’s intention to deal with this form of pollution. However, intentions alone are not enough. We must ensure that implementation is strong and that the policy is accompanied by education, enforcement, and innovation.”

She emphasized that plastic pollution is not just a government issue but a collective responsibility involving institutions, communities, businesses, and individuals. “The issue affects us all—from policymakers and environmental advocates to everyday citizens and business owners,” she said.

Plastic waste, which does not decompose and continues to accumulate in land and water bodies, poses long-term risks to biodiversity and public health. Associate Professor Mwangwela cited these dangers as reasons for urgent and coordinated national action.

“This webinar is not just about highlighting the problem. It’s about igniting change,” she added. “Our conversation today should inspire action, policy advocacy, and a renewed commitment to protecting our beautiful country.”

The Deputy Vice Chancellor therefore encouraged participants to fully engage in the day’s discussions, urging them to think critically about how Malawi can go beyond the thin plastic ban to create sustainable, long-term solutions to waste management.

In an interview with Zodiak Online, after the seminar, Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA) executive director Herbert Mwalukomo suggested the introduction of a new law to completely ban plastics if the country is to do away with plastic pollution.

"Of course we still have a long way to go because despite that the ban is under enforcement but we still see plastics around, some of them have just changed colour and we know that some are coming from neighbouring countries," he said. "We also see that consumers are still accessing thin plastics even though they are illegal so this is where we need to do more."

The webinar provided a platform for stakeholders to come up with recommendations that will support the implementation and strengthening of environmental policies, with a focus on reducing plastic dependency and promoting more eco-friendly alternatives.