Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia

Achievements

The key objective for the project is to restore wildlife and protect the Bangweulu Wetlands eco-system, whilst improving the socio-economic wellbeing of the people living in the area. In order to achieve this, the aim is to develop a financially sustainable park that contributes positively to the profile of Zambia as a tourist destination, supported by efficient management systems.

Although day-to-day management responsibility lies with African Parks, the overall authority is the Bangweulu Wetlands Management Board. The Board consists of three representatives from the community, three from African Parks and one from the Zambia Wildlife Authority. Much time and effort has been spent in developing the Articles of Association which were signed in 2008.

In an effort to restore wildlife and protect the eco-system in Bangweulu Wetlands African Parks have recruited 67 law-enforcement personnel. Each recruit has received ten weeks of training, with subsequent refresher courses, and selected individuals have received additional training in the use of GPS, data collection techniques, communications and report writing. The law enforcement team has been equipped with bicycles, uniforms, GPS units, cameras, binoculars, first aid kits, data loggers and radio equipment and have two vehicles at their disposal. This has greatly reduced the levels of unsustainable fishing, poaching, and tree-cutting.

African Parks has in place various research projects on topics ranging from the complexities of the fishery to the ecology of the shoebill. Two annual aerial surveys have also been concluded since African Parks' involvement. The outcomes of such research and monitoring programmes will inform management decisions. Surveys have also been conducted which will enable the assessment of human impact on the fish and wildlife populations and provide critical information for the development of management strategies.

The socio-economic well-being of the people living around Bangweulu Wetlands is being supported through community outreach programmes and the introduction of livelihood projects designed to empower communities and raise living standards. Activities revolve around working with Community Resource Boards and collaborating with NGOs which specialise in community development, education and public health. A Community Coordinator has been appointed that oversees six Community Development Facilitators to drive community education and participation. Specific community upliftment projects include the construction of a community-run camp site (The Nsobe Community Camp Site) from which the community collects all revenue. A Community Development Fund has also been set up which to date has funded projects such as constructing a maternity wing at one of the local clinics, teachers' housing, clinic officer housing, grinding mills, bee keeping facilities, a market building and an incinerator and water pump at a health post. Illegal fishing, poaching and harvesting have been reduced through the initiation of an Environmental Education Programme and on-going community sensitisation work that tackle issues such as sustainable resource use.

The Bangweulu Project provides employment for 85 people of which all but 2 are Zambian citizens. This combined with up to 160 casual staff at any one time, makes the project one of the largest employers in the region. The management team includes a Project Manager, a Field Operations Manager and a Financial Controller. After a rigorous selection process involving community representatives, three additional managers were appointed to the project: a Community Coordinator, the Head of Law Enforcement and the Works Supervisor. The law enforcement personnel consist of 67 people, comprising the Head of Law Enforcement, 46 village scouts, 14 ZAWA Wildlife Police Officers, 2 drivers and 2 radio operators. Administrative staff consists of one Financial Controller and a Finance and Administrative Assistant.

The development of a tourism product is in its initial phases with four camp sites currently available and a tour operator (Zambian Dawn Safaris) offering luxury mobile safaris which are due to commence in 2012.

Infrastructure has been significantly improved since the start of African Parks' tenure. Following rigorous planning, headquarters, housing, offices, workshops and stores were constructed and existing buildings renovated. Scout houses have been built and existing ones reroofed and causeways upgraded, bridges have been built and roads have been opened to allow all-season access to the headquarters. Communications have also been improved with the installation of three satellite internet communications system and a VHF radio network linking all outposts. The Bangweulu fleet currently includes three Land Cruisers, a Land Cruiser Station Wagon, a Toyota Hilux, a light 4-wheel drive truck, two quad bikes, a tractor, a trailer, one boat and engine, five motor bikes and a pull-grader.