The Lower Zambezi
Celebrating 25 Years of Wildlife Conservation in the Lower Zambezi
O
n the cusp of the confluence near a territorial hippo pod, where the Chongwe River flows into the mighty Zambezi, lies the entrance to a wild, thriving and sublime 4,000 square kilometres of Zambian heritage—the Lower Zambezi National Park. The park once sustained black rhino and today is home to iconic megafauna including elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, pangolin and more…Through its versatile landscapes and plentiful species, there is no question that this magnificent ecosystem must be protected. Working closely with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) is an NGO with an aim to conserve the pristine wilderness of the park and its surrounding Game Management Areas and open areas (18,500 square kilometres). Since its humble beginnings in 1994, CLZ has significantly grown and developed into the sophisticated, advanced and holistic organisation it is today.
25 years ago, a few concerned stakeholders and the local wildlife authority noticed the dwindling elephant population and the rise in poaching, plus increasing human/ wildlife conflicts, and so decided to take action for wildlife protection. With just one second-hand Land Rover and a tarpaulin as an office shelter, the conservation journey began.
Through engaging an influential donor base and adapting approaches to counteract the ever-changing complexities of wildlife criminals, today CLZ and DNPW are tackling wildlife protection from all angles. In collaboration with nation-wide partners, officers have weaved intricate informer and intelligence networks, both regionally and across borders, leading to increased success, apprehensions and confiscations of illegal products. Through the development of specialised teams such as K9 and Rapid Response Units, plus increased aerial, river
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TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
Writer: Nikita Lyengar Photography: Francois D’Elbee, Scott Ramsay
and foot patrols, and as well as improved technologies that enable GPS tracking, law enforcement walls are pushing strong against poachers and syndicates and showcasing remarkable results.
Simultaneously, CLZ has also grown to incorporate an extensive environmental education programme that reaches 65 schools and over 3,000 learners annually, inspiring them to value their surroundings. The programme has a track record of successes, as dedicated adults have graduated from it to become wildlife police officers, educators and even CLZ’s very own operations manager. CLZ also works hard to support communities with human/
wildlife conflict incidences, and where possible, engages them in the value of keeping wildlife alive and how they can benefit from it in a sustainable manner.
The dedication and commitment shown by DNPW and CLZ are inspiring; particularly the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for the protection of wildlife. CLZ is committed to encourage, support and provide resources to these brave officers for as long as necessary. CLZ’s success would not be possible without the generous support of tourism and local stakeholders, as well as our donors and members, who all combine to enable us to continue our fight.
