The Biodiversity of Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is a natural wonder of the world. It is also known as the Calendar Lake because it is 365 miles long and 52 miles wide. It is home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world, with over 1000 cichlid fish species living in the lake. The cichlid fish species are unique and have evolved into separate species due to the geographic isolation of the lake. The fish are a huge source of income for local fishermen through exports to pet stores in Europe and North America. On this trip, I had the opportunity to see the intricate system of fishing, sorting, breeding and exporting of fish that sustains the community. It was a fascinating experience that demonstrated how humans can live harmoniously with their environment and create sustainable economic development.