Running wildebeest in Liuwa - Liuwa, ..., Zambia [© 2008 Lorenz Andreas Fischer]Collaring hyaena - Liuwa, ..., Zambia [© 2010 Stephen Cunliffe]Waterhole in Liuwa pond - Liuwa, ..., Zambia [© 2008 Lorenz Andreas Fischer]Fisherman in Liuwa wetland - Liuwa, ..., Zambia [© 2010 Peter Fearnhead]Lady Liuwa at Matamanene bush camp - Liuwa, ..., Zambia [© 2009 Unknown]Scout on patrol - Liuwa, ..., Zambia [© 2009 Frans Schepers]

Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia

Achievements

When African Parks started work in Liuwa in 2003, the park's natural resources were being exploited unsustainably. Both subsistence hunting and commercial poaching posed considerable problems. Species which had been present in large numbers prior to the 1970s, including lechwe, eland, roan antelope, buffalo and Lichtenstein's hartebeest, were either extinct or very low in number.

African Parks' vision for Liuwa Plain National Park has always been the restoration and development of a functioning ecological system that protects the ecosystem processes and services that support the area's wildlife and people. Specific objectives have included:

· Restoring historical biodiversity levels;

· Establishing an ecologically and economically sustainable level of natural resource utilization;

· Attaining measureable economic and social benefits to Liuwa's people and to Zambia;

· Attaining long-term financial sustainability.

Liuwa Plain - African Parks - Male lions in Liuwa - Liuwa, ..., Zambia [© 2010 Stephen Cunliffe]

Controlling illegal harvesting is a crucial first step in restoring biodiversity levels. Year-round law enforcement within the park has been strengthened and an effective rapid deployment team has been formed. Scout patrolling is monitored using a GPS based system to maximise the efficiency of the scout resource. Scout discipline and overall morale has improved dramatically. The increases in population sizes of all species are a direct result of such improved law enforcement efforts. More than 50 arrests have been made of which 40 have resulted in convictions. Numerous firearms have been confiscated and over 30 AK-47's shotguns and muzzle loaders have been handed in as part of a weapons amnesty programme.

Liuwa Plain - African Parks - Collaring hyaena - Liuwa, ..., Zambia [© 2010 Stephen Cunliffe]

Staff training in areas covering natural sciences, field crafts, investigations, weapons training, radio communication, customer care and tourism and effective communication with communities have been an ongoing focus. Increased tourism revenue has been achieved through park entry fees and by encouraging tourists to stay longer in the park, with the three community-run campsites generate revenue flows for local people. in 2010. The Park has also purchased new equipment including motorbikes, quad bikes, an amphibious vehicle and an ultra-light aircraft to improve mobility and facilitate anti-poaching efforts.