the illegal practices. A participatory approach involving people of the area, the local and provincial government and the Coastal Security Commission, was evolved to address the adverse ecological aspects created in the past, with the objective of enhancing production from the lake system without resorting to overuse of the resources of the lake. Revival measures The five-year programme envisaged for revival of resources of the ecosystem of Lake Chiuta-Amaramba area, through a participatory approach, involves several measures. The first of these is to prevent resource overuse and introduce measures for increasing productivity to enhance economic conditions of the community thriving on the lake's resources. Establishing a formal lake reserve in Lake Chiuta-Amaramba would preserve the lake's fish and waterbirds and would increase aquatic resources for rightful use by the local community. Also of importance would be establishing checks and balances on the quality and quantity of produce removed from the lake. Protection of the surrounding forest area through an appropriate wildlife management mechanism would permit for diversification of wildlife species which would promote the base structure of the rural livelihood. The final revival measure of the program consists of creating an environment to market local products. History In 1882, Henry E. O'Neill, H.B.M. Consul to Mozambique and 1885 recipient of the Royal Geographical Society Patron's Medal, surveyed the area and subsequently published, Journey from Mozambique to Lake Shirwa, and discovery of Lake Amaramba itemizing nine villages and hamlets, named after their chiefs, at the lake's shores. Five of these were upon the eastern (Napulu, Cheinlola, Chekungwa, Chemaunda and Chengogwe), three upon the western (Akumhumbwa, Chemina and Chemataka), and one was located at the northern extremity (Akamtundu). The south-eastern shore of the lake is populated by Lomwe Makua. Currently, the nearest town to the lake is Cacova on its western side. References Bibliography Further reading Thieme, Michelle L. (2005). Freshwater Ecoregions of Africa and Madagascar: A Conservation Assessment. Island Press, Washington DC. pp. 173–175. External links Photographs Amaramba Malawi–Mozambique border Endorheic basins of Africa Geography of Niassa Province