Malawi has formally created a basis for coordination within its national environmental policy through Act No. 23 of 5 August 1996. Section 9 of the Act established the National Council for the Environment which consists of:
- the Chairman of the Council who is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister;
- the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, or their representatives;
- the General Manager of the Malawi Bureau of Standards, or his representative;
- the General Manager of the National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens of Malawi, or his representative;
- one member nominated by and representing the industrial sector and appointed by the Minister;
- one member nominated by and representing g[non-governmental organization]s concerned with the protection and management of the environment and the conservation of natural resources and appointed by the Minister;
- one representative of the University of Malawi appointed by the Minister; and
- one member nominated by and representing the National Commission for Women in Development and appointed by the Minister.
The Council has responsibility to:
- advise the Minister on all matters and issues affecting the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources;
- recommend to the Minister measures necessary for the integration of environmental considerations in all aspects of economic planning and development; and
- recommend to the Minister measures necessary for the harmonisation of activities, plans and policies of lead agencies and non-governmental organization concerned with the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources.