Obverse. Photo © WCN
  • 20 Kwacha 2010, KM# 111, Malawi, Biosphere Reserves, Tatra National Park
  • 20 Kwacha 2010, KM# 111, Malawi, Biosphere Reserves, Tatra National Park
Description

The UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) includes internationally recognized protected areas, known as biosphere or nature reserves, designed to promote a harmonious relationship between people and nature by encouraging sustainable development. Established under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, the WNBR is a dynamic network aimed at fostering sustainable development through participatory dialogue, knowledge exchange, poverty reduction, cultural respect, and enhancing society's ability to address climate change. It also promotes collaboration between northern and southern regions and serves as a valuable tool for international cooperation by sharing experiences, building capacity, and promoting best practices.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi, country name, date above, denomination and series title below. The mint's mark (m/w) is right below the emblem.

Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence.

REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
2010
UNITY AND FREEDOM
M/W
20
KWACHA
BIOSPHERE RESERVES

Reverse

Depicts Tatra National Park logo since 2009 (Tatra chamois standing on a rock, mountain in the background) with a multicolored edelweiss flower featured in the pad printing technique at left below. The park name is in Polish above.

Tatra National Park (Polish: Tatrzański Park Narodowy, TPN) is situated in the Tatra Mountains in Tatra County, within Poland's Lesser Poland Voivodeship. The park's headquarters is in Zakopane, and the Tatra Mountains serve as a natural border between Poland and Slovakia. The two countries have worked together since the early 20th century to protect the area, with Slovakia establishing an adjacent national park. UNESCO later designated the region a transboundary biosphere reserve.

Leontopodium nivale, or edelweiss, is a mountain flower from the daisy family, thriving in rocky limestone areas at altitudes between 1,800 and 3,400 meters. Known for its dense hairs that protect it from cold, dryness, and UV radiation, the flower symbolizes rugged beauty and purity, especially in the Alps and Carpathians. It is a national emblem in several countries, including Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Italy, and was declared a "monument of nature" in Romania in 1931. Edelweiss Day is celebrated on March 5, and giving the flower traditionally represents a pledge of devotion.

The Tatra chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica), a subspecies of the chamois, inhabits the Tatra Mountains of Poland and Slovakia.

TATRZAŃSKI PARK NARODOWY

Edge

20 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 111
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Warsaw Mint (M/W)

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