Nyama ya musanga(bushmeat) is a delicacy Zambians have enjoyed for centuries, but evidence for why we might want to do away with it, at least most of it, is mounting.
Some of this evidence comes from asking important questions like; where does bushmeat come from? How is it harvested? How is it preserved and how is it transported? It is this last question that we will focus on today. One unsettling assertion put forward by conservationists is that many people who eat bushmeat often have no idea how it moves from where it was harvested to their plate.
How is that so? Well, in the past, people lived close to wildlife so meat harvested from wild animals didn’t have to be transported over long distances to reach consumers. However, many people now live in urban cities far from wildlife, meaning bushmeat has to be transported long distances from its source to urban cities, where demand is high.
So how does that happen exactly? To understand how bushmeat is transported we first have to deal with another unsettling fact. Much of what is consumed today in urban areas like Lusaka and the Copperbelt is actually illegal bushmeat. This meat is harvested illegally from national parks and other protected areas by unscrupulous poachers. Poachers and traders that sell illegal bushmeat know that being found with unlicensed (illegal) bushmeat is a crime. Under the Zambia Wildlife Act no. 14 of 2015, possession of illegal bushmeat can attract fines of up to K120 000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years, depending on the species involved.
To safely move their illegal contraband, poachers and traders have developed sophisticated ways of hiding illegal bushmeat from law enforcement. This includes concealing it in bags of charcoal or agricultural produce. While this cleverness means they sometimes manage to avoid getting caught, it puts many other people at great risk.
This includes drivers of public or private vehicles who unknowingly carry illegal products because people who hire them don’t warn them of potential danger. That is what happened this Tuesday. A transporter who had been hired to deliver 40 bags of charcoal from Mumbwa to Lusaka got the shock of his life when his vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint in Mumbwa. After a thorough check, officers discovered over 30 plastic bags containing illegal bushmeat concealed in two of the charcoal bags he was carrying. His vehicle was impounded, the charcoal and bushmeat confiscated. On top of that, he was asked to stay behind to assist with investigations. The driver was totally unaware that he was carrying illegal bushmeat and immediately took to social media to warn his fellow drivers to be careful with transporting charcoal.
Another group that is at an even greater risk from the antics of the illegal bushmeat industry are the consumers of illegal bushmeat. As mentioned earlier, poachers and traders go to great lengths to avoid getting caught. Some of the tricks used to conceal illegal bushmeat, like the one above, make it unsuitable for consumption as chances of the meat being contaminated are extremely high.
Apart from concealing it in charcoal bags, poachers also often hide it in car boots, mixed with many other non-edible things. Sometimes the meat is kept in these tight spaces for days on end. Illegal bushmeat, especially when transported in unsanitary conditions, can be a virus vector and a cause of countless diseases and serious allergic reactions. If you think this is an exaggeration, consider this; some experts are now warning that Africa’s appetite for illegal bushmeat could trigger the next global pandemic.
The good news is that you actually don’t have to give up bushmeat entirely, the Government has put in place a mechanism for people to buy legal, safe, Zambian game meat. Since it is legal, it is transported and sold openly. Many legal game meat outlets that have opened up across the country are Zambian owned. You can support Zambia’s legal game meat industry and protect yourself and your family by simply making the switch. Buy legal Zambian game meat.
“DESPITE begging for mercy, a single mother of 11, including an infant, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for illegal possession of 30 kilograms of elephant ivory.” This story made headlines on social media and was even featured on a popular radio talk show a few weeks ago.
On face value, it is easy to sympathize with this single mother and to label her a victim of a harsh sentence. Some people who commented on this story even wondered why it is always “poor” Zambians who are arrested for wildlife crime while the big bosses, the masterminds walk freely. This is a valid question, and on face value, it may appear that the law is out to get poor Zambians.
However, things are not always what they appear to be. There’s usually a lot to uncover when one takes a closer look. To begin with, stories of people being arrested and even jailed for wildlife related crimes are on the rise. So, while the story of the single mother got national media coverage, many similar stories went unreported, or merely reported on community radio stations.
The significance of this is that the single mother’s story is not isolated. It is one of many cases of people being jailed for committing wildlife crimes in Lusaka and across the country. These seemingly isolated cases are actually connected. The people involved are involved with the same serious, organized, transnational criminal syndicates which hire poachers and middlemen from different parts of the country to do their bidding. When you add together the seemingly small quantities of ivory that is handled by individual poachers and middlemen, the total impact on our Zambian wildlife you get is staggering.
A 2010 report by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) shows that in 2002, authorities in Singapore seized 6,200kg of ivory that originated almost entirely from Zambia. The report also revealed that a 6,000kg ivory consignment that shipped from Zambia was seized in the Philippines in late 2005.
Let’s do a bit of mathematics. Elephants have two tusks (made of ivory), which are estimated to weigh between 23-45 kilograms each for African species. If we assume that the two seizures above involved elephants with 23kg tusks, then at least 265 elephants were poached from national parks and game management areas in Zambia to come up with a total of 12,200 kilograms of ivory.
This leads us to another harsh fact – almost all the ivory harvested in Zambia leaves the country. Organized criminal networks engage local poachers in low-income African countries, like Zambia, to kill elephants and harvest ivory, which is passed on to local traffickers and middlemen, like the single mother, who ensure that it is sent outside Africa. The local poachers are only benefitting from a fraction of the profit that the foreign dealers will ultimately make from selling the contraband but are often the ones facing the 5-year jail sentence.
By killing our elephants and sending ivory to China, Vietnam, and other countries in Asia, with a thriving black market demand for wildlife products, these few poachers and middlemen are actually making Zambia as a country poorer, while enriching criminal gangs outside Africa. The harshest effects of this are felt by the many communities in Zambia that depend on legal nature-based enterprises like tourism for jobs and general livelihood. When populations of elephants and other wildlife dwindle, it is impossible to reap benefits from tourism and other wildlife-based enterprises, so these communities of thousands of Zambians, which often have limited alternative sources of income, take the hit as their livelihoods are destroyed.
It is clear that Zambia does not benefit from dead elephants because while the illegal ivory trade may be lucrative in Asia, Zambia needs live elephants, in large numbers, to grow and sustain tourism and other nature-based enterprises. So, in a way, anyone dealing in illegal ivory, which requires elephants to be killed, is working against the economic and ecological aspirations of many law-abiding Zambians.
Something else to consider is that the law is clear on consequences of engaging in wildlife crimes. For example, section 130 of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 states that a person who is in possession of, sells, buys, imports a prescribed trophy in contravention of this Act, is liable, upon conviction to minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, without the option of paying a fine.
This means regardless of whether you are rich or poor, educated or not, male or female etc., as long as you are found in illegal possession of prescribed trophies, like ivory, you will be jailed if you are found guilty. This also explains why the bosses or masterminds of the illegal wildlife trade are rarely caught. They convince others to move illegal wildlife products for them so that when things go sour, it is these middlemen who are arrested and jailed because they are the ones in illegal possession of wildlife products.
To sum things up, it is easy to sympathize with and label some wildlife criminals as victims, but this handful of individuals are harming our country by stealing our resources and putting them in the hands of a greedy few in developed countries. The good news is that we can help ourselves, our friends, our, families and our country by sharing information about the dangers the illegal wildlife trade has on local communities. We must also convince the people we care about to avoid prison by staying away from any illegal activity involving wildlife. Lastly, we must all participate in protecting the country’s wildlife and habitats, instead of watching from the terraces while foreign organized criminal networks wipe us clean of our God-given natural resources, using our own people.
You have probably heard the word “conservation” far too many times to ignore . However, many of us still wonder what a conservationist actually is . Well, that thought crossed my mind several times recently and so I took interest in learning more about the subject.
Conservation is an umbrella term for a lot of different activities. Firstly, the protection of species from extinction. That is not all though, conservationists are interested in the maintenance and restoration of environments which are often habitats for various flora and fauna. Conservation is also about the protection biological diversity. Quite a mouthful, right? Well, all these actions are equally important for the sustainable maintenance of a healthy planet for us and future generations.
A conservationist is a person who advocates for the protection of life on this planet. One who believes in the preservation of all that we hold dear and that keeps life as we know it, going.
For us to create a safe sustainable planet for ourselves and the future generations , we all have a role to play. Here are three relatable ways you can be a conservationist and participate in protecting this planet.
Firstly “reduce, reuse and recycle”, this phrase that is as useful as it is catchy. Scientific research now estimates that the world uses over 500 billion plastic bags a year, that is a whopping 150 bags for each person on earth. To say this is unsustainable is an understatement, especially because plastics can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, depending on the material and structure. Despite most grocery stores charging a fee for plastic bags in Zambia, pollution is still rife. So do your part, think twice before you buy that plastic bag.
Next go wild. Animal conservation is just as important as the conservation of our oceans, land, and air. In fact, many animals are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem. How can you be part of the work to protect these animals? Well, you need not quit your job and move to the bush to become a ranger. You could simply go on holiday. Yes, you read correctly, go on holiday. Zambia is world renowned for its wildlife. From the elephant in the rich Luangwa valley in the east to lions of the Liuwa plains in the west, Zambia is home to spectacular scenes experienced nowhere else in the world. Although much of tourism in Zambia is concentrated around a limited number of national parks, such as the South Luangwa, Kafue, Lower Zambezi, the rest of the country also has considerable attractions. Zambia has a total of 21 national parks and 34 game management areas which represent over one third of our country’s land mass. Zambia’s commitment to conserving vast tracts of land for conservation is commendable. More than ever domestic tourism is needed as many businesses struggle to stay afloat and are offering significant discounts. There are opportunities for Zambians to not only see more of their country but support local businesses and local communities. Domestic tourism is one of Zambia’s most promising prospects for economic growth and sustainable conservation efforts.
You might be surprised to read about our next type of conservation, cultural conservation. Yet it is the most relatable, seeing that humans are cultural beings. “Culture”, as a concept, refers to the whole complex of learned behavior of some group of human beings: their beliefs, social norms, material possessions, and language. Historically, conservation policies have ignored the potential role of traditional African cultural practices in contributing to conservation goals. However, recently there has been a growing interest in these practices, although recognition in official conservation policies is still minimal in many countries. Traditional cultural practices, among other strategies, have the potential to enhance sustainable resource use and conservation and, therefore, realize the desire for ecological and social sustainability. By conserving our culture, we can conserve our environment.
To sum it up conservation is all about keeping our planet earth happy by taking care of her. The happier she is, the happier we are. We are all conservationists in the making but it is up to us to work towards creating a safe and sustainable environment for all of us and future generation to enjoy. As the saying goes “together we can”.
Visit the Conservation Careers Zambia website https://cczambia.com/ for more information about what is happening in the conservation sphere.
We can all agree that 2021 was challenging. With all of us having been either infected or affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and being forced to adapt to a new way of living and much uncertainty. If 2020 introduced us to Covid-19 and a crash course in corona viruses in general, 2021 was a lesson in virus mutation as variant after variant emerged. As we begin our year with yet another wave of the pandemic in Zambia, there is yet again a feeling of uncertainty about the future and what this year will bring. The Zambian conservation and tourism sectors have both been challenged by the current state of the world. As we approach our second covid birthday with many countries on lockdown yet again, this is now an all-too-familiar reminder of many things have changed. What has been inspiring to see is the tenacity of the human spirit and how life continues despite the hurdles we now face.
There is still much to look forward to in the year ahead. Opportunities to support the Zambian conservation sector abound. Here are a few things to look out for in the coming months.
Wildlife Ranger Challenge
On 18 September 2021, over 150 rangers across Africa ran and walked for the Wildlife Ranger Challenge a multimillion-dollar initiative aimed at supporting the rangers who safeguard the continent’s iconic wildlife. This initiative makes a huge difference to those on the front lines of conservation in Africa. In 2021 various Zambian conservationists took part, giving their all on the track. Throughout August 2021, ranger teams spanning the African continent united to compete in a series of mental and physical challenges, preparing for their 21km half marathon. The winning teams were from Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Last year the African People & Wildlife rangers from Tanzania took 1st place, Game Rangers Association of Africa from Nigeria came out 2nd and our very own rangers from Conservation South Luangwa based in Mfuwe ran their 21km with a load of 22kg on their backs in 02:08:19 and took the 3rd place. An impressive feat. Even more inspiring was the $2.8 million raised for conservation work. The initiative supports over 8,000 rangers across 24 countries in Africa and 45 endangered species such as elephants, pangolins, rhinos, and lions. This covers 302,684 Km2 of our ecosystem.
The Matakula Elephant Charge 2021 had a record breaking 34 teams take part and raised 3.8 million Kwacha for conservation in Zambia. This unique annual event is a 4×4 off road challenge with teams of six charging a course of ten checkpoints in the Zambian wild. Each year a different course is used, and this makes the event more interesting. The 2021 event took place on the 25th of September with 22 managing to finish the grueling race within the qualifying time of 6 hours.
This year’s charge promises to be bigger and better as more teams join and more money is raised for much needed conservation efforts.
Since 2018, the Zambian conservation careers fair has been giving Zambian graduates and students, conservation organizations and institutions a platform to connect. The careers fair aims to cultivate an environment conducive to participation by young Zambians, who are the future of conservation in our country.
The Virtual Zambian Conservation Careers Fair 2021 was hosted for 2 days, on the 6 and 7 October. The fair hosted 5 amazing Zambian conservationists as speakers. 8 organizations featured on the organization spotlight a few to mention Worldwide Fund for Nature, Frankfurt Zoological Society , Water Resources Management Authority.
It is with no doubt that the virtual Zambian Conservation Careers Fair was a success, and it has become one of the notable events in the conservation sector. This year’s event will bring together yet another cohort of Zambia’s sharpest conservation minds and future leaders. It is also an unmissable day for jobseekers across the country.
To get more information about the fair, visit the facebook page Conservation Careers Fair Zambia.
The Tangila Trail Series 2022
The Tangila Trail Series is an annual event with three core activities: trail running, mountain-biking and open-water swimming. In 2021 the event, which had been postponed several times due to Covid-19 evolved into something smaller but still impactful. A gentle 10km run, a challenging 22 km run, and a punishing 33 km trail run and in honour of Mr. Solomon Chidunuka, a hero in Zambian conservation.
The Tangila Trail Series event that was held at the Mkushi Country Club in November, around the Masebe hills and gave conservationists an opportunity to celebrate a brave man who protected Zambia’s wildlife from poaching gangs. Now that Solomon Chidunuka is no longer with us, more people will have to step into his shoes as the illegal wildlife trade continues to target our wildlife.
To be part of the 2022 event visit the Tangila Trail Series website for more information.
There is no doubt that a lot of conservation efforts relies on cooperation among different interest groups to make decisions that benefit people and biodiversity. Your support of these events and many more goes a long way.
Thinking of a career in conservation? As we grow older, we can all attest to feeling some pressure to choose one career path or another. Today, more than ever you can be almost anything you want to be in this world. Not only are we living in an era of diversity and inclusivity in the job market, there are also more job options than ever before.
A career in conservation is one of the career journeys one can embark on. The conservation sector is predicated on the protection and preservation of earth’s natural resources, for this and future generations. While a passion for safeguarding our environment is good grounds to start on, it can be difficult to figure out what exact line of work to pursue, or how to get your foot in the door.
As the field grows so does the need for a diverse range of skills and disciplines. Although it is encouraged, one does not necessarily need to study a conservation related program to land a job, there are many types of conservation jobs. A professional conservation job consists of a wide range of disciplines depending on specific areas of specialization such as environmental education specialists, biologists, ecologists, forestry, agriculture, botanists, and other related disciplines. A “professional conservationist” can work in any field depending on their education background and discipline.
As you consider a career in conservation there are a few things that you should have in mind.
Be passionate about it
A significant portion of jobs on offer in the conservation industry are based in remote areas, especially the African bush. Being based near or near a national park can be very frustrating if you do not love what you do. The reason you should decide to work in conservation is because you genuinely want to dedicate yourself to protecting and conserving our natural resources, you are at a significant advantage if you enjoy being in nature for prolonged periods of time. If you do, you will have one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers available
Familiarize yourself with your environment
With the job market expanding, you will need to know what jobs available and what role are suits you best. Take note of the requirements. This will give you a good idea of what type of skills and experiences you will need to acquire over time and will help you propel your career. Start by familiarizing yourself with the jobs available by visiting sites such as the Conservation Careers Zambia website https://cczambia.com/ to understand the job market.
Gain experience
Being passionate alone will not make you a conservationist, acquire experience through volunteering, applying for internships and reading more about the particular field you are interested in or qualified for. You need experiences and skills to support your passion, loving what you do alone is not good enough. One of the best times to get voluntary experiences is when you are still studying.
