CLZ – Latest News
Mandanda Project
In August, Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) and the Rufunsa GMA community finalised construction of their new initiative – the Mandanda Project (meaning ‘eggs’ locally). The local women’s group now has a new coop to raise chickens for eggs, supporting them through a resilient small business.
This project aims to help build alternative livelihoods for women from low-income communities in the Rufunsa GMA. The area has few employment opportunities and industries which, being so close to Lower Zambezi National Park, is at high risk from poaching and the illegal bushmeat trade. This is why building small businesses. which support low income families, is vitally important in this region. Stop Poaching Now also supported the project.
Pangolin Project
Also in August, the CLZ team, along with the DNPW and WCP, began the first ever tracking of pangolins programme in Zambia. They will tag and track confiscated pangolins, after they have been released, to discover more information on their lives and habitats.
This project was aided by Royal Air Charters, who provided transportation, as well as the Pangolin Crisis Fund and Tusk Trust.
New Park Gate Opens
CLZ was excited to announce, in a ceremony held with the DNPW on 3 August, the opening of Chavululu Camp and Gate. Situated on the eastern side of the Lower Zambezi National Park, a park gate, small office and housing for scouts had been built.
This infrastructure aims to deter poaching, decrease revenue leakage, and to promote human/wildlife coexistence through increased DNPW presence who protect both the park and the Rufunsa GMA. The opening ceremony was attended by several honoured guests including His Royal Highness Chief Mphuka of the Chikunda People of Luangwa District, the Luangwa District Commissioner, Luke Lazaro Chikani, and the Senior Warden Mr. Harrison Kayeyi. Both CITES MIKE and the Government of Japan were thanked for their support for this project.
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