Conservation Events to Look Out For in 2022
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.
This year’s event will be even bigger and better. To learn more visit https://wildliferangerchallenge.org/
Fuchs Elephant Charge 2022
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.
To get more information about the Charge, please visit https://www.elephantcharge.org/
Virtual Conservation Careers Fair 2022
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.