BENSON KANYEMBO
Winner Of The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award Interview: Thandiwe Mweetwa Photography: Conservation South Luangwa, Adam Vallance, Aurélien Langlais
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ildlife conservation is a challenging field with men and women in the frontline usually not receiving the credit they deserve for the work they do. The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award, which comes with a grant of £10,000, seeks to recognise the contribution of exceptional individuals who have dedicated their lives to the protection of wildlife and wild places. It is awarded by Tusk Trust, a UK-based conservation organisation, after a rigorous and highly competitive nomination process. Benson Kanyembo, the law enforcement advisor of Conservation South Luangwa, was the 2019 recipient and the award was presented to him at a ceremony in London UK in November, 2019. Thandiwe Mweetwa sat down with Benson to learn more about his lifelong service in wildlife conservation and to hear his thoughts on winning such a prestigious award.
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TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
Tell us about yourself I was born in Kitwe but my family moved around northern Zambia a few times. It was during the time we lived in Mpika and Isoka that I saw how poaching was negatively affecting wildlife. When did you join the conservation sector? I joined North Luangwa Conservation Project as a law enforcement auxiliary scout or village scout in 1994.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement? My greatest achievement was in 2003 when I became a qualified wildlife police officer under the Zambia Wildlife Authority. I underwent the rhino protection training which coincided with the reintroduction of the black rhino to North Luangwa National Park. Before that, I had been a village scout and people used to look down on us. I graduated as one of the top three students and got special mention during the graduation ceremony. This was a major door opener for me.
What is your favourite and least favourite part of your job? Being out in the field listening to birds and animals gives me a lot to think about and reaffirms my commitment to nature protection. I feel like Adam in my own Garden of Eden. The least favourite part
