Benson Kanyembo

Winner Of The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award

Interview: Thandiwe Mweetwa Photography: Conservation South Luangwa, Adam Vallance, Aurélien Langlais

Wildlifeconservationisachallengingfieldwithmen 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.

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 qualifiedwildlifepoliceofficerundertheZambiaWildlife 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? Beingoutinthefieldlisteningtobirdsandanimalsgivesmealot tothinkaboutandreaffirmsmycommitmenttonatureprotection. I feel like Adam in my own Garden of Eden. The least favourite part

of my work is crossing dangerous rivers on foot. Sometimes I have nightmares about crossing the Luangwa at the height of the rainy season.

You recently won the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. What does the award mean to you?

TheTuskawardgivesmoraletoallthoselawenforcementofficers whojoinedtheconservationfield,especiallyvillagescoutswho are the lowest rank. These are people that start the work from the ground up and it shows that you can make it and be recognised for your contribution to wildlife conservation.

How has winning the award changed your perspective?

Winning the award is a huge motivation. I am now committed to work harder, delegate more and educate as many people as I can. I need to double my efforts to groom the next generation of wildlife rangers to protect Mother Nature.

Have you any advice for young professionals that are joining the wildlife conservation sector now?

What they need to know from the word go is that when you join this work do not expect to get rich. You will not become a millionaire but you will be highly admired for doing the right thing. You will be harshly treated, poorly paid but deeply respected. If you want to join because of money, you will end up just being corrupt and you will be arrested and charged.

What do you think is the future for conservation in Zambia?

Rightnow,Ithinkit’sfifty-fifty.Somepeoplewillpretendthatthey support conservation but at night they buy illegal bushmeat. A lot of people just want to make money and do not care about animals. We still have a lot to do. We need to engage every stakeholder, religious leader, learning institution and community in the conservation of our natural resources. Because this is not just about animals; it is about everything. Whatever we are doing against Mother Nature will come back to us in one way or another. Look at climate change. The effects will be felt globally for generations.

What’s next for you?

I still have a long way to go. You just have to look at what is happening here in the Luangwa Valley. We have to work hand in hand with all stakeholders. Our parks and natural resources are not safe.

Anything else you would like to add?

The Tusk award is not just an award for Benson from Conservation South Luangwa. It is an award for everyone who supports me and the work I do. I am really grateful.