History
Established in 1994, Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources in Zambia's Lower Zambezi region. The organization was founded by local safari operators and stakeholders who recognized the urgent need to support the national wildlife protection authority, now known as the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), in combating rampant poaching that was devastating wildlife populations.
From its modest beginnings, CLZ has significantly expanded its initiatives, which now include:
- Environmental Education Programme: Educating communities and schools about conservation.
- Community Scout Units: Training local scouts to assist in wildlife protection.
- Community Empowerment Programme: Promoting sustainable livelihoods to reduce reliance on poaching.
- Specialized Units: Deploying teams such as the Dog Unit, Rapid Deployment Team, Marine Unit, and Investigative and Intelligence Units to address specific conservation challenges.
- Judicial Support Programme: Assisting in the legal processes related to wildlife crimes.
- Fisheries and Illegal Wildlife Trade Project: Addressing threats to aquatic life and curbing illegal wildlife trade.
The Lower Zambezi National Park spans 4,092 km². When combined with the adjacent Game Management Areas (GMAs) of Chiawa (west), Luano (north), and Rufunsa (east), it forms the expansive Lower Zambezi Area Management Unit, covering nearly 20,000 km².
Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW)
CLZ plays a pivotal role in supporting DNPW's mandate to protect the Lower Zambezi's wildlife by providing:
- Technical and Logistical Support: Supplying equipment, transportation, and technological tools like GPS devices and SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) systems.
- Patrol Provisions: Offering essentials such as food rations, first aid kits, and field equipment to ensure effective anti-poaching patrols.
- Training and Capacity Building: Implementing programs like the Long-term Training Programme (initiated in 2021) to enhance the skills of DNPW personnel and community scouts.
- Aerial Surveillance: Conducting regular aerial patrols to detect and deter illegal activities, providing critical support to ground teams.
Given DNPW's limited funding and resources, CLZ's assistance is crucial in maintaining consistent and effective wildlife protection efforts.
Green Base Camp
CLZ's Base Camp serves as the operational hub and includes:
- Environmental Education Centre: Featuring an interpretation room, dormitories, ablution facilities, and accommodations for teachers.
- Specialized Units Facilities: Housing for the Lower Zambezi DNPW Dog Unit and Rapid Deployment Team.
- Infrastructure: A workshop, staff accommodations, four safari tents (available for guests, members, and donors), an office, an operations room with 24/7 radio communication, and a central dining area for meals and meetings.
Thanks to a generous donation from Empowered By Light, the Base Camp operates entirely on solar power, utilizing a 10 kVA solar system and solar geysers. This eco-friendly setup not only ensures a sustainable energy supply but also saves CLZ approximately $10,000 annually in fuel costs.
