2024 Impact Report on the effects of biodiversity-positive Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Malawi and Zambia

Globally biodiversity loss has been accelerated by human-induced changes to ecosystems and their functions. In Malawi and Zambia, biodiversity plays a crucial role in the socio-economic success. Unfortunately, mass deforestation and demand for timber products have resulted in severe losses of biodiversity in these ecosystems. Due to their size, proximity to local communities and direct access to local knowledge, green micro, small and medium-sized enterprises hold an enormous potential to contribute to biodiversity conservation in Malawi and Zambia. 

Over the last three years, adelphi has helped MSMEs in Malawi and Zambia scale their biodiversity-friendly business models and improve their access to green finance through the 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 project. Support has been directed towards MSMEs themselves, as well as financial and public institutions operating within the countries.

The latest 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗙𝗔 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 reveals how participating enterprises continue to support and increase their positive impact on biodiversity conservation and restoration, provides insights to their economic potential and growth in the past years, and exhibits a boost in their provision of quality and equal jobs for their employees. All in all, this report demonstrates the necessity for further inclusion of biodiversity-positive entrepreneurship in the international dialogue on the conservation of biodiversity as well as global and national actions to accelerate green finance for climate action.