According to the Environment Management Act (2017), the functions of MEPA include:

1. Advise the Minister on the formulation and implementation of policies for the protection and management of the environment and conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources;
2. Initiate legislative proposals, standards and guidelines on the environment in accordance with this Act;
3. Enforce the right to a clean and healthy environment
4. Monitor and enforce compliance with environment and natural resources related policies and legislation) Coordinate and monitor all activities concerning the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources;
5.  Prepare plans and develop strategies for the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources, and facilitate co-operation between the STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2023 – 2028 Protecting the environment, Protecting life Page 13 Government and local authorities, private sector and the public in the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources;
6. Review and approve Environmental and social Impact Assessment, strategic environment environmental assessments and other relevant environmental assessments in accordance with this Act;
7. Promote integration and mainstreaming of environmental and social concerns into overall national planning through coordination with relevant ministries, departments and agencies of Government;
8. Initiate, facilitate or commission research and studies on any aspect of the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources;
9. Prepare and publish a National State of the Environment and Outlook Report every five (5) years and annual report on the status of the environment and in this regard direct any lead agency to prepare and submit to it, a report on the state of the sector of the environment under the administration of that lead agency;
10. Coordinate the promotion of awareness and education on the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources;
11. Monitor the state of, and trends in the utilization of natural resources and the impact of such utilization on any segment of the environment;
12.  Receive and investigate any complaint by any person relating to the protection and management of the environment and sustainable utilization of natural resources and take appropriate action;
13. Promote international and regional co-operation in the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources shared between Malawi and other countries;
14. Advise the Government on regional and international environmental conventions, treaties and agreements to which Malawi should be a party and follow up on the implementation of such agreements to which Malawi is a party;
15. Coordinate and monitor trans boundary environment and natural resources management initiatives including providing advice on negotiating, signing and implementation of any agreements that may be entered into between Malawi and a neighboring state;
16. Prescribe by notice published in the Gazette environmental quality criteria and standards necessary for the maintenance of essential ecological processes and a healthy environment;
17. Establish rules and procedures for the appointment, discipline, termination, and other terms and conditions of service of the staff, administrative and financial matters;
18. Render advice and technical support, where possible, to entities engaged in environment and natural resources management so as to enable them carry out their functions satisfactorily; and
19. Carry out any other activities and take such other measures as may be necessary or expedient for proper administration and achievement of the objects of this Act.