PROJECTS IN AND AROUND THE PARK

The Trust recognises the urgent need to work with Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and the Kafue Park Operators’ Association (KPOA) in developing a series of large and small projects that will contribute tangibly to Park management and community development.

These conservation projects are being planned by our TEAM OF EXPERTS and are at different stages of development from simple concepts to detailed project documents. The ideas behind them form the heart of our cause and all require funding and support in a host of different ways from financial contributions to technical advice.

We would like the projects to enhance development of the Park so that it becomes self sustaining and that tourism expansion will provide extra revenue to assist with improvement of all aspects of KNP.

Although tourism has been developing steadily the Park operates well under capacity so that there are many opportunities now for new lodges, new camps and new activities. The operators who have associated with the Trust mainly concentrate on nature-based activities, walking safaris and tours for special interest groups such as bird watchers, botanists, artists, anglers and photographers.

THE PROJECTS

The MAIN CONSERVATION PROJECTS that we are developing in close association with the ZAWA are:
1. Providing assistance for development of vital infrastructure, mainly roads, bridges, wildlife viewing loops and firebreaks in the large undeveloped central part of the Park.
2.  The Nanzhila area development programme which is a 5-year integrated development project to be managed in a Public-Private partnership with ZAWA and the local communities. The project includes infrastructure, training, tourism and community development.
3.  Strengthening of the Ngoma Teak Forest firebreak. This is a small support programme to help secure this important woodland from unwanted incursion of damaging wild fires which have been degrading the area for many years.
4.  Establishment of a Research and Training Centre at old Ngoma lodge that is now mostly derelict. This is a project that will be implemented over a period of several years and forms part of the Park’s recovery programme in which we are actively involved.
5.  Introduction of a Micro-Light aircraft at Nanzhila Plains for surveillance and wildlife research.  This project is urgently required in view of increasing encroachment in the GMA on the park boundary and a growing number of human/wildlife conflicts.
6.  Implementation of an innovative programme for management and sustainable use of non-timber forest products in the areas to the north-east of the Park. This will help make better use of natural resources and will bring many employment and livelihood opportunities for communities living adjacent to the Park
7. The Project aims to develop the Hippo Mine area (the first copper mine north of the Zambezi in Zambia) as an Heritage Site offering historical information as well as guest house-style accommodation for visitors and researchers in the north-east of the Park near the Kafue River, to be managed by the Trust.
8. Compilation of a comprehensive Handbook for Kafue National Park. This is being written by Ian Murphy and Peter Moss, generously funded by the Royal Danish Embassy, Lusaka.

SMALLER PROJECTS requiring much less finance and which provide an interesting range of schemes for volunteers who would like to help with hands-on activities in the Park and in GMAs. These include:

1. Replacing the glazed black and yellow steel KNP signs along the boundary.
2. Building an RSPB style bird hide near Nanzhila – tourism development.
3. Fixing specific culverts and bridges – working with ZAWA.
4. Re-establishing the Community Camping Site at Dundumwezi – working with the Siachitema community.
5. Health and Nutrition surveys in the GMAs.
6. Assisting with conservation awareness raising campaigns amongst local communities.
7. Follow up with some basic field research:
1. Wild dog distribution – follow up on San Diego ZS work.
2. Elephant and fire research (Frederik Hengeveld’s research programme.)
3. Cheetah distribution (Rodney Gerhardt’s research programme.)
8. Establishing a Fixed Line Transect in the Nanzhila area – following the Nkala Transect proto-type.
9. Re-establishing the research transect along the south Nkala River.
10. Restoring the bird hide on Butapa Loop near Ngoma.
11. Rehabilitating the Wildlife Viewing Tower at Ngoma.
12. Fixing the sign in the Ngoma Forest – replace the old sign and picnic bench.
13. Rehabilitate the Herbarium at Ngoma.
14. Assist with small-scale agricultural amongst communities; mentoring and improvement in production.
15. Assist traditional fisherfolk of the Nanzhila to improve storage, transportation and marketing.
16. Tsetse fly surveys near tourism facilities existing and proposed.
17. Funding helicopter time for ZAWA conservation work throughout KNP.
18. Support development of a micro- light conservation and research unit to be based at Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp.
19. Developing “Chilli Fencing” in collaboration with the villagers along the south-eastern boundary of the Park to reduce human/elephant conflict.
20. Provide help for comparative studies on the distribution and numbers of key mammal species.

The purpose for all the projects large or small is to contribute to development of the Park and to sustainable use of natural resources in the surrounding areas so that the Park can become self-sufficient and so that the local people receive direct and lasting benefits through active involvement in these activities.

 The Trust very much welcomes your participation so please do write to us if you would like to know more about any of these small projects either in fund raising or for work as a volunteer worker.