Walk Luwanga 2020 is a collaborative effort striving to raise funds in support of conservation and community charities working in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley.
Due to COVID-19, the lack of safari tourists has meant a severe reduction in local income. This means that the local people and charities who rely on the safari tourist industry, and the ‘bed levies’ donated to support them, will not be receiving their usual financial support. This could lead to a rise in poaching of wildlife for bush meat in the region, putting more strain on the wildlife charities that help combat these illegal activities.
The aim of the 350km, 17 day walk which starts this week, is to raise £200,000. These funds will go towards additional anti-poaching patrols; concrete community grain stores and chilli blasters (which will aid in food security and reducing human-elephant conflict); eco-stoves which will reduce demands on local wood harvesting; the annual Football for Wildlife League which supports 250 female and male players across 9 communities; conservation education; and, substantial food ration packs and food subsidies for homes across communities throughout the Luangwa Valley.
The Luangwa Valley
The Luangwa Valley is one of the most game rich wilderness areas in Africa, centred around the scenic Luangwa River. It is home to the world’s largest hippopotamus population, as well as healthy lion, wild dog, leopard, buffalo and elephant populations. The valley is also the home to the popular ‘African walking safari’.
Find out more and how to show your support
During these tough times, if you would like to show your support by making a donation, however small, it will be hugely appreciated and go a long way to ensure the long term conservation of the Luangwa Valley. You can make a donation directly on their fundraising page at Just Giving.
To find out more about the charities being supported and information on the walk click here
“The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.” – John Paul II
Today is World Nature Conservation Day. It is observed worldwide to create awareness about protecting and conserving our natural resources.
Our natural resources are exploited in many ways and there are many threats to our world nature – such as deforestation, the illegal wildlife trade, pollution, unethical mining and the use of plastics and chemicals.
Worldwide, due to over exploitation there is now a natural imbalance. Humans are now facing threats – such as new diseases, natural disasters, increased temperature and global warming. So it is essential for people to understand that the world is one, and that our natural resources are limited. Anything that is done in one part of the world, will affect all the other parts as well. Our earth gives us the resources so that we can live – water, air, soil, minerals, trees, animals, insects and food – often we take nature for granted, but we should conserve our natural environment to keep us healthy.
The only way to preserve the well-being of our environment for future generations is the wise management and utilisation of our natural resources. This can be done through raising awareness amongst people all over the world about the importance of saving our resources and the consequences of damaging them.
How to Celebrate World Nature Conservation Day
You can celebrate World Nature Conservation Day today by simply spreading information on the importance of saving nature. Even during these uncertain times, you can take small steps to help conserve our planet:
Use paper bags or cloth bags instead of plastic bags
Use recyclable and biodegradable products
Use alternative energy, such as solar and wind power
Plant more trees to maintain the ecosystem and to prevent soil erosion
Use water resources sensibly – you can reuse your household water for watering your garden and do not water your grass during the dry season
Reduce your carbon footprint – try to use less electricity and walk instead of using your car for shorter distances
Grow your own vegetables and using organic composts and fertilisers
Try harvesting and using rainwater during rainy season
Even if you are in lockdown, take today to appreciate the gift of nature and enjoy your natural environment. Think about how you can change your lifestyle to help protect our natural resources. Why not post pictures and share your World Nature Conservation Day ideas and thoughts on social media by using the hashtag – #WorldNatureConservationDay.
The only mammals covered in scales are now infamous due to the Covid-19 pandemic as they are believed to have passed the corona virus from bats to humans. For a long time, pangolins have relatively been unknown species even though they are the most trafficked mammals in the world. They are at the edge of survival with some populations classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature -IUCN
Africa is home to four out of eight pangolins species in the world (the Tree Pangolin, the Giant Ground Pangolin, the Cape Pangolin and the Long-tailed Pangolin). Zambia houses two pangolin species (the Tree Pangolin and the Ground Pangolin) and like other countries, Zambia has taken protecting these endangered species seriously. This is because pangolins are important to the environment. One pangolin can consume up to 70 million insects per year and this helps in keeping insect populations down and regulating balance in ecosystems aside from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife carrying out successful operations to rescue and release pangolins back in to nature, they have provided a direct line to call in illegal pangolin activities on +260 979 355 135.
Contact the nearest Department of National Parks and Wildlife office or call the 260 979 355 135 to report illegal pangolin activities and help protect the pangolins.
Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) received information that an elephant had been caught in a snare. It was injured, dragging a log behind itself, and clearly in pain.
After multiple searches, the DNPW/CLZ officers, assisted by their K9 Dog Unit, managed to locate the injured elephant. A DNPW vet was brought in and the snare was successfully removed, with the wound being cleaned and treated. The elephant now has a high chance of survival in the Lower Zambezi National Park.
CLZ thanked the Olsen Animal Trust for providing funds for the emergency operation, along with the DNPW Vet Department for their skills and expertise to save the elephant.
You can find more stories about CLZ’s busy month in their June Newsletter and stay up to date with their activities by checking out their Facebook Page
The winners of the first Bats Without Borders, Batty Art Competition have been announced. The competition aimed to promote the diversity and importance of bats and the variety of entries showcased creative techniques and art mediums.
First place in the ‘Education and Appreciation of Bats’ category is ‘A Bat’s Story’ by Richa Kedia (main picture). “This is a great piece that really can help people understand more about bats. It is nicely illustrated and fun to look at. I hope everyone in Africa sees this excellent work.”
The winner in the ‘Youth’ category is ‘Upcycled African Chitenge Bats’ by Zoey and Darwyn from Malawi (below). “This is a unique creation, very nicely made, with a positive and attractive design. Great job!”
‘African Twist’ category winner is ‘Malawi Bat’ by Jonathan Thorneycroft (below). “This bat has wings that show a map of Malawi – what a creative idea and nicely drawn too.”
And, the winner in the ‘Photography’ category is ‘Sundeval’s leaf-nosed Bat’ by Daniel Whitby (below). “This is a beautiful shot of a bat in flight. I like the muted background and the faint second bat. The first bat is very sharply focused and well positioned. It is very difficult to get good flight shots of bats and this one is excellent!”
The competition was judged by artist and illustrator, Fiona Reid, who not only took time to judge the fantastic range of entries, but also generously donated prizes. You can find all the winners and runners up, along with Fiona’s comments, on the Bats Without Borders Facebook Page.
Bats Without Borders Webinar
Today’s Bats Without Borders Webinar speaker is Dr Cullen Geiselman who will be talking on Bat Eco-Interactions Database: records of bats as pollinators, seed dispersers, insect consumers, and more… Her talk will take place at 15 hrs (CAT ).
To join in, then register via the Bats Without Borders website – www.batswithoutborders.org You can also catch up on all the previous talks on the website.
