CONSERVATION LOWER ZAMBEZI

ANNUAL GENERAL REPORT 2002 - 2003

Prepared for Conservation Lower Zambezi by Grant Cumings (Chairman, CLZ) - April 2003

Conservation Lower Zambezi

Conservation Lower Zambezi is a registered Association whose members consist of stakeholders, donors, corporations and other interested parties. The organization’s chief purpose is to safeguard the wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi National Park and surrounding GMA’s. The Committee and its members meet regularly to discuss issues pertinent to conservation and the running of the organization. The organization’s success or failure counts on the efforts and enthusiasm of its members, and its ability to raise funds – the results of which could be measured by the level of poaching activity, and the impact of man-made influences on the habitat, over a given period.

Chairman's Report

The organization has had to continue to focus on providing direct support to ZAWA in protecting the Lower Zambezi National Park and surrounding Game Management Areas, given the scant resources ZAWA were able to commit to anti poaching for 2002-3. It is hoped that with the recommencement of safari hunting which typically raises much of ZAWA’s revenues, and proposals by donor organizations to provide Emergency Funding for ZAWA’s operations, some pressure might be released off CLZ’s own limited resources.

The year 2002-2003 has had some great forward strides for Conservation Lower Zambezi. CLZ is in the process of getting title deed to what will become its own property in Chiawa GMA, and has commenced construction on its new Education and Administration facilities. This new “base camp” for CLZ will enable the organization to commence its Environmental Education Program for the surrounding village communities.

It is anticipated that the new site will open in July 2003 followed soon after by the commencement of the Environmental Education Program. This project will endeavour to promote conservation amongst the surrounding community, and will initially be focused on school-age children. This is an ambitious and long-term goal that reflects the commitment this organization has not only to wildlife but also to the people of the area.

The CLZ Board also agreed to become more involved with research in the area. Currently, little scientific data is available – data that could assist us in monitoring wildlife populations, predicting positive or unfavourable trends, and even quantifying the organization’s successes.

CLZ’s fund raising endeavours extended overseas again, this time to a Humba Bush arranged Fundraiser in London during October 2002. This spectacular event was supported by international rugby legend Gareth Edwards and raised approximately $50,000 for CLZ on the evening! On the local front, safari camps in the Lower Zambezi have been collecting a bed night levy from their guests on behalf of CLZ – this levy is split evenly between the organization’s protection and education activities, and provides the sustainability required for the Royal Danish Embassy’s generous project support. Without the committed support of the safari industry in collecting this levy, the Environmental Education Program would not be possible!

However, there is still much left to be done and the long term economic sustainability of the organization needs addressing,

The Year in Review 2002-2003

Much of the activity conducted during this period is covered in the regular newsletters that were prepared and distributed to our members, and in the CLZ Base Camp Operations Report.

Protective Acitivity

This included:

Providing fuel, transport, rations, communications and motivation to ZAWA Wildlife Police Officers for anti poaching patrols and law enforcement operations.
Aerial surveys and air assistance for anti poaching.
Purchasing new patrol kits and first aid kits for ZAWA Wildlife Police Officers.
Conducting and hosting one series of Safari Guide Lectures and Examinations for Safari Operators, in conjunction with ZAWA.
Implementing and funding “CLZ Wildlife Police Officers Award Ceremony” at ZAWA HQ, Chilanga
Immobilizing, treating, and saving the lives of a number of snared “high profile” mammals.

As a result of CLZ’s continued support to ZAWA, the number of man days patrolled has dramatically increased, as have the number of arrests, convictions and confiscations. Well done to Ian Stevenson and the Wildlife Police Officers of the Lower Zambezi Area Management Unit.

Communitiy Relations

CLZ continues to assist the community wherever possible, and we anticipate that the Environmental Education Project will become a very positive entity for the local communities.

CLZ have assisted in the distribution of emergency food relief in the drought of 2002, co-ordinated and provided support for the Kairara Cultural Festival, for the opening of Mugurameno Catholic Church, and for the construction of new staff housing at Mugurameno Primary School.

CLZ has also distributed Educational materials (donated by Elefence International) to both Chiawa and Mugurameno primary schools, and has funded and provided logistics for a 4-day outdoor education field trip for school children from Chiawa district.

Fundraising

CLZ continues to require and receive the support of its members and the donor community. As our responsibility continues to grow, so do our expenses. CLZ is most grateful for the support of all its donors who are listed in the annual Treasurer’s Report. However in particular, we would like to thank the Royal Danish Embassy who are funding the Environmental Education Project capital expenses, Humba Bush Foundation for the successful fundraiser they held in London on behalf of CLZ, Afrikeye for their continued generous financial support, photographer/author Francois d’Elbee for raising the profile of the organization and for donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of his book on the Lower Zambezi, and to those that so generously donated to our Lusaka Fundraising Safari Party II held in April 2002.

In the Pipeline

The following projects are at various stages of finalization and/or implementation:

Environmental Education Project

The Royal Danish Embassy have signed the agreement for this project. The Chiawa Community and Chieftainess Chiyaba have approved CLZ’s camp relocation to the Chiawa Community Campsite, and construction of the Education facilities has already commenced. This program is intended to enable impoverished school children from the surrounding communities to visit and learn about the Lower Zambezi’s habitat and wildlife. The conservation message will also be taken out to the communities by way of a mobile audio-visual unit, manned by a CLZ Education Officer and at times by ZAWA extension/education officer, graduate students of UNZA and other relevant personnel. Key personnel are currently being sought to implement the program.

Africa Wildlife Foundation/Zambia Wildlife Authority – Large Mammal Aerial Survey & Serum Survey.

These are still to take place however the CLZ/ZAWA/AWF inputs require readdressing and further meetings are scheduled.

Africa Wild Dog Conservation

AWDC have invited CLZ to become a Trustee of AWDC. This would be line with CLZ’s policy of becoming more involved and supportive in research projects so this is currently under consideration.

The Future

Conservation Lower Zambezi is continuing to expand and increase its operations. The organization creatively and successfully raised funds to cover these activities for 2002 and for much of 2003, however it will need to yet again raise significant funds each and every year if CLZ is to continue at its current pace – fund raising will therefore have to remain as a priority. At the same time CLZ must continue to critically consider how its limited resources are best put to use, and to use these resources as efficiently and as effectively as possible.

With the eminent departure of Mads Sandau, the organization will be losing a valuable friend, donor, advisor, and source of logistical assistance. Now, more than ever, CLZ will require the moral, physical and financial support of its members! In my opinion it will be necessary that future CLZ Boards not only include dedicated and active individuals, but also conservationists from a broader cross-section of Zambian society, business and government.

CLZ continues to work closely with ZAWA, however this must be better explained and formalized in a working document such as a Memorandum of Understanding. This is becoming increasingly apparent as CLZ becomes more active, especially in new fields such as education and research.

In terms of our long-term objective of providing a refuge for the wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi, it is clear that without the support of the surrounding communities this would not be possible. It is hoped that the proposed Environmental Education Program will help the communities better understand the need for conserving this country’s natural heritage and to also help foster better relations between the local community and ZAWA.

Once ZAWA are better able to fund and implement their field operations to protect the Lower Zambezi, CLZ ought to look to supporting and initiating other conservation programs, such as Black Rhino Reintroduction. To this end it is my hope that ZAWA and CLZ commence discussion on this as soon as circumstances permit.

Finally I would like to thank our donors - private, corporate and government; that have given of their money and/or time so generously to CLZ, and also to ZAWA and the Wildlife Police Officers, without whom our field conservation efforts would be impossible. I would especially like to thank our volunteers Ian Stevenson and Leanne Edwards for another year of tireless dedication, H.E. Danish Ambassador, and his wife Tine Astrupgaard for 6 years of hospitality, invaluable support and advice. I thank the members for another year of their confidence, and the committee for their enthusiastic support in helping this organization to continue fulfilling its objective – to conserve the wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi.

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