Women For Conservation are excited to be part of this year’s Tangila Trail Series and are looking for members to join their team.
The Tangila Trail Series is a celebration of outdoor healthy living, hosted every year by Masebe Ranch in beautiful Mkushi. This year’s ‘Covid Comeback Edition’ is taking place on Sunday 21 November, and will be a ‘no fuss’ version of the event with limited amenities and entries available and only three categories: a gentle 10 km trail run, a challenging 22 km trail run, and a punishing 33 km trail run. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Elephant Charge in support of selected wildlife conservation organisations and projects.
Tangila Trail Series 2019 Highlights
Women For Conservation’s Team
Women For Conservation are putting together a team of 15 women to race alongside scouts, and other members of the conservation community , to compete for the inaugral Solomon Chidunuku Memorial Trophy. Solomon sadly passed away earlier this year. He was the Senior Warden of the Muchinga Province of Zambia, and prior to that had served as Senior Wildlife Warden in Mpika. In 2017, he was presented with the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his work in Zambia’s North Luangwa Province.
The team will be participating in the 10km run, which is a well-marked gentle trail, suitable for runners of all abilities. Women For Conservation will be providing their team’s registration, transportation, meals and non-alcoholic beverages, so all you need to do is bring along is your running shoes and your own camping gear!
How to join in
If you are interested in being part of the team, then please contact Maina at maina@wcpzambia.org by close of business on Wednesday 10 November 2021.
Are you thinking of visiting the world’s largest mammal migration, or just want to find out more about why the Kasanka Trust is actively protecting the park’s rivers and GMA’s from illegal activities? Then the 2021 Bats About Kasanka ebook is a must read!
Bats About Kasanka is packed full of fascinating information about the world famous migrating straw-coloured fruit bats, detailing their amazing migration and the threats that they are now facing.
Revised for the 2021 Bat Season, Bats About Kasanka has detailed species information, along with colour photos, to help you identify all the bat species that you can find in the park – from the famous straw-coloured fruit bats to the tiny Banana Bat and the rare Dobson’s pipistrelle.
This eGuide also has a useful bat species check-list along with detailed park maps and a history of how the straw-coloured fruit bats became famous. The informative ‘Visitors’ section includes full information on the park’s accommodation, the activities you can do whilst staying at the park, along with handy travel tips to help you plan your trip.
So, whether you are planning to visit, or just want to find out more about the world’s largest mammal migration, and the wide variety of bats found in Kasanka National Park, then this fact-filled eGuide is your ideal bat safari companion.
And, for this year’s Bat Season, the Kasanka Trust Ltd and ARC Zambia Ltd are giving away free pdf and epub copies to all park visitors. So, when booking your stay at the park, don’t forget to ask for your coupon code, so that you can download your free copy before you travel!
Bats About Kasanka is a Zambian epublication, which is available for you to download to your computer, tablet and mobile devices in both .pdf static, and epub flipable easy read formats, from www.arczambia.com. It is also available on Amazon’s Kindle, at the special price of just US$2.99, as well as being available on Kindle Unlimited.
This 2021 revised edition has been published by ARC Zambia Ltd and The Kasanka Trust Ltd, with all proceeds going directly into conservation projects.
COP26 is the United Nations (UN) 2021 climate change conference. For nearly three decades, the UN has brought together almost every country in the world for global climate summits – called COPs. This stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. During this time, climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority. This year is the 26th annual summit – giving it the name COP26. The United Kingdom is hosting the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow from 31 October – 12 November 2021.
The United Kingdom has been working with every nation to reach agreement on how to tackle climate change. World leaders are amongst thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses and citizens who will be taking part in the twelve day conference. Not only is this a huge task, but it is also not just yet another international summit – many experts believe COP26 has a unique urgency.
To understand why, look back to another COP – the Paris Agreement, COP21, 2015
For the first time in history, every country agreed to work together to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees, aiming for 1.5 degrees, to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate and to make money available to deliver on these aims. This commitment to aim for 1.5 degrees is important because every fraction of a degree of warming will result in the loss of many more lives lost and livelihoods damaged.
Under the Paris Agreement, countries committed to bring forward their national plans setting out how much they would reduce their emissions – known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or ‘NDCs’. They agreed that every five years they would gather with an updated plan that would reflect their highest possible ambition at that time. Counties have been updating their plans for reducing emissions in the run up to COP26, which was delayed by a year due to the worldwide pandemic. This decade to 2030 is crucial as countries must go much further than they did in Paris in order to keep the hope of holding temperature rises to 1.5 alive. So COP26 needs to be decisive.
COP26 Goals
Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach
Countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century. To deliver, countries will need to:
accelerate the phase-out of coal
curtail deforestation
speed up the switch to electric vehicles
encourage investment in renewables
Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
Our climate is already changing and it will continue to change even as we reduce emissions, with devastating effects. At COP26, countries need to work together to enable and encourage all countries affected by climate change to:
protect and restore ecosystems
build defences, warning systems and resilient infrastructure and agriculture to avoid loss of homes, livelihoods and even lives
Mobilise finance
To deliver on the first two goals, developed countries must make good on their promise to mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year. International financial institutions have to play their part and we all need to work towards unleashing the trillions in private and public sector finance required to secure global net zero.
Work together to deliver
We can only rise to the challenges of our climate crisis by working together. So COP26 must:
finalise the Paris Rulebook (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational)
accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society
The COP26 Presidency Programme
The programme showcases momentum from the whole of society, and will focus on the key issues to drive ambition and action.
World Leaders Summit – 1 & 2 November – bringing together heads of state and government, alongside heads of international organisations, civil society and business leaders, to show that they are serious about working together to tackle climate change. They are invited to set out the ambitious actions that they are taking to reduce emissions, scale-up adaptation and mobilise finance, and to collectively signal their commitment to ensuring that COP26 keeps 1.5°C in reach.
Finance Day– 3 November – this will demonstrate that public and private finance is being mobilised at scale for net zero and climate resilient growth and development, supporting emerging markets and developing economies. This finance will be used for climate action in line with the Paris Agreement, bringing 1.5°C within reach and supporting countries most vulnerable to climate change to adapt to the impacts of climate change and build their resilience to future climate events. It will show how climate finance is being mobilised for the countries that need it most and how the $100bn a year commitment will be met, while looking ahead towards ambitious future goals. The day will also show how the global financial system will become Paris aligned, driving the transition of the real economy and enabling all countries to move towards net zero by 2050.
Energy – 4 November – accelerating the global energy transition is essential if we are to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Energy Day brings together governments, businesses, investors and organisations from across the world to demonstrate that the shift to clean power is inevitable and rapidly accelerating, that an end to unabated coal power is now within reach, and that people and their livelihoods are at the heart of this transition. We will hear how countries are increasing their climate ambition and celebrate action to make clean energy accessible and affordable and to improve energy efficiency. This is the opportunity to share good practice globally and explore what further steps need to be taken to align and strengthen our collective efforts in support of the clean energy transition.
Youth and Public Empowerment – 5 November – The COP26 Presidency, in collaboration with YOUNGO (the Children and Youth Constituency of the UNFCCC) and other youth partners, will elevate youth voices and ensure a platform for young climate experts to engage with decision-makers on their pressing priorities. Events throughout the day will demonstrate the critical role of empowering, educating and training the public in driving climate action to keep 1.5°C alive.
Nature and Land Use – 5 & 6 November – taking place across two days, this will demonstrate how governments, businesses, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and farmers are driving the transition towards more sustainable management of our land and ocean by protecting and restoring nature and reforming the food and farming system. It will demonstrate the role that nature can play in supporting countries’ climate plans and it will showcase ground-breaking partnerships to help green the trade in agricultural commodities, reform agricultural policy, take action on ocean health, and deliver sustainable innovation – contributing to a healthier planet and a more prosperous future for people, climate and nature.
Adaption, Loss and Damage – 8 November – climate change could push over 100 million people into poverty by 2030. We must adapt our economies and societies to prevent this and seize the opportunity of a more resilient future. Cutting emissions is critical, but not enough. We will hear from local community representatives, experts and government ministers about the impact of extreme weather, environmental degradation and rising sea levels and what is being done to adapt. Together we will accelerate progress on adaptation, loss and damage.
Gender & Science and Innovation – 9 November – Gender is a key part of the UK’s commitment to an inclusive COP. The programme of events on Gender Day will address not only the ways in which women, girls and marginalised people are disproportionately impacted by climate change, but also the importance of their leadership and participation in driving solutions. Gender Day will demonstrate that through working collaboratively, governments, civil society and businesses can advance gender equality in climate action and finance, helping us to deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement. Science and Innovation is crucial to providing the solutions we need to keep the goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. This day will demonstrate the science and innovation that can deliver urgent climate action and illustrate how we can live and prosper in a changed and changing climate.
Transport – 10 November – This is the COP that will kick start the mass market for zero emission vehicles – a transition that needs to be significantly accelerated to keep 1.5°C within reach. The global transition to zero emission road transport has reached a tipping point. Transport Day will bring together leaders from across the sector to accelerate the transition to 100% zero emissions vehicles. Events will also galvanise action to decarbonise the harder to abate forms of transport: aviation and shipping.
Cities, Regions and Built Environments – 11 November – accelerated action on the built environment sector, driven by subnational leaders, is vital both for emissions mitigation and for supporting resilient communities. This day will bring together national, regional and city level leaders, alongside the private sector, to deliver deep collaboration that can accelerate climate action over the next decade.
All Presidency events will be webcast on the UNFCCC website where you can watch these events live or on-demand, check out their blog and photo coverage. You can also find videos of the events on YouTube.
For more information about COP26, including all documents and past COPs, then visit the COP26 website
The Kasanka Trust has put out a call out this week for help to save the small, but totally unique and ecologically vital, Kasanka National Park.
“Please help us to take legal action and save Kasanka National Park”
Despite their efforts to raise awareness and to provide transparent evidence that allows authorities to act against illegal encroachment on protected areas, the government is continuing to ignore the illegal deforestation in Kafinda Game Management Area (GMA), which borders the park.
After more than two years of being repeatedly let down by the very authorities whose mandate it is to actively help protect Zambia’s National Parks and GMAs, the foreign owned Lake Group is continuing to destroy more native habitats with every day that passes. The Kasanka Trust has therefore been left with no choice but to take this matter to court. But they urgently need your help in raising funds to cover legal costs to make this possible.
The Threats to the Park
Kasanka National Park receives the highest level of protection in Zambia – because of its unique flora and fauna which is critical to the regions ecosystem. The habitat immediately surrounding the park, the Kafinda GMA, is the buffer zone, which was designated to project the park from commercial and illegal activities which, if they are allowed to go ahead, would destroy the park’s flora and fauna. This then has a knock on affect for the local communities, who depend on the park and its surrounding GMAs for their livelihoods.
However, in 2019, the Tanzanian based Lake Group, and its subsidiaries – Lake Agro Industries and Gulf Adventures – began illegal deforestation.
From July 2019, The Kasanka Trust has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and engage with government bodies to put a stop to this using the standard procedures. This has included communications with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), Zambia Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), Central Province Administration, Office of the President, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), Office of the Public Protector Zambia, Chitambo Local Council and, the District Commissioner’s Office at Chitambo. You can find a timeline of their actions taken by the Trust, government bodies and the Lake Group here
Even though our government departments have repeatedly instructed Lake Agro Industries and Gulf Adventures to stop their illegal agricultural and game ranching activities, asking them to move them to more appropriate designated land use sites, they have been ignored. In fact, in the past few months alone, almost 400 hectares of forest has been illegally cleared. This now brings the estimated total area of illegal deforestation to over 800 hectares for Lake Agro Industries, and 300 hectares for Gulf Adventures.
Sadly, there has been no action taken to enforce the Stop Orders or to implement the laws of Zambia. No repercussions have been made to the companies who are ignoring Zambia’s laws and who are destroying our natural heritage. Instead, ZEMA is now considering legitimising Lake Agro Industries commercial farm and granting them permission for its expansion to over 7,000 hectares.
This is in response to Lake Agro Industries’ retrospective and hugely inadequate Environmental & Social Impact Statement, which has been objected to by over 40 separate organisations and over 500 individuals. You can find the Statement on ZEMA’s website (dated 18 June 2021). The Trust has also sent a petition, which was signed by over 6,000 concerned individuals, to our new President to highlight the issues the park is now facing.
Despite all this, ZEMA has concluded that members of the Zambian public are not interested, and decided to hold a public hearing in an incredibly remote and difficult to access location, which prevented many stakeholders from even being able to attend. Surely their actions brings up many questions that you should now be asking?
How you can help
Kasanka National Park is in crisis. The Trust has run out of options to protect this precious corner of our vulnerable earth. They are now been forced to start legal proceedings to have these illegal activities reviewed by our court of law. While they are confident that this is the appropriate course of action to take, it comes at a high cost. Like many NGOs who are dependent on income from tourism and are trying to overcome the financial repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
They have been overwhelmed and are immensely grateful for all the support that they have received so far, both from within Zambia and from friends around the world. But, they are now reaching out once more to request that you please do all you can to support them and donate whatever you can, however small. Even if you are unable to donate, please read all the links to find out more, and let you friends, family and colleagues know that the future of Kasanka National Park is under threat.
In September, Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) conducted two helicopter operations.
The first involved darting and then collaring three elephants. They have been collared so they can be tracked in order to better understand elephant movements in the area. The information collected will be used to both improve wildlife protection methods and be part of the elephant mitigation and human/wildlife conflict issues.
During the helicopter second operation, CLZ and DNPW deployed teams in areas that are hard to reach by road. Radio and infrastructure equipment was transported in order to improve the radio and observation point on top of Chilapira.
Whilst these operations were being carried out, snared elephants were discovered and so the helicopter allowed CLZ and DNPW to respond swiftly to their aid.
CLZ thanked FZS and INL for funding the second operation, John Morgan for supporting the elephant collaring, and vets Dr Innocent Ngombwa and Dr Ian Parsons.
Wildlife Crime Prevention Media Visit
During September, CLZ hosted a media visit conducted by the Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) team, to help shed light on conservation issues within the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Their visit highlighted the rise in small-scale illegal mining; risks of the illegal bush meat trade; and, one of the biggest threats to the National Park – the proposed Kangaluwi Copper Mine. If this mine was to go ahead, the large scale open-pit copper mine in the centre of the Park will put both local communities and wildlife at risk. For more details on CLZ’s campaign see the Facebook Page – Save Zambezi Safe Zambezi Campaign
The goal of the challenge was to raise money and awareness to support the men and women who work with wildlife and conservation across Africa’s protected areas.
Many congratulations to CLZ’s team who finished the 21 km race, whilst carrying their full 22kg kit backpacks, in just 2 hours and 35 minutes!
Find out more
For more news then you can read CLZ’s September newsletter here. For more information about CLZ, and to keep up to date with all their projects, then visit their website and check out their Facebook page
