Zambia Launches Community-Led Conservancy to Restore Wildlife Corridors

The Mize Community Conservancy has officially been registered under the Wildlife Act in Zambia’s Southern Province, marking a significant step in regional conservation efforts. Located in the Nyawa Chiefdom of the Kazungula District, the conservancy covers 585 square kilometers of land. This initiative is part of a broader program supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to improve sustainable wildlife management in forest and savannah ecosystems. The project focuses on restoring wildlife populations and protecting a vital corridor that connects Kafue National Park to neighboring protected areas in the Kavango–Zambezi region. Local stakeholders are central to the management of this new conservancy. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife has recruited and trained ten community scouts, including two women, to conduct patrols and support anti-poaching operations. These scouts are tasked with protecting wildlife from illegal activities that threaten biodiversity. By involving local residents directly in protection efforts, the program aims to turn wildlife into a community asset rather than a source of conflict. To ensure the conservancy is managed effectively, twelve natural resource monitors have received training in ecological monitoring and data management. These monitors utilize the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool, known as SMART, to track wildlife movements and habitat health. This technology allows for adaptive management, where conservation strategies are adjusted based on real-time data collected from the field. Such evidence-based approaches are essential for maintaining stable populations of game and non-game species alike. The initiative also addresses the complex issue of human-wildlife conflict, which often arises when animals damage crops or threaten livestock. By implementing sustainable land-use practices, the conservancy seeks to mitigate these interactions and improve food security for local families. The program encourages diverse livelihoods, including fish farming, beekeeping, and improved livestock development, to reduce the community's reliance on unsustainable hunting practices. Legal frameworks play a crucial role in the success of this conservancy. The project has documented customary norms and practices within the Nyawa Chiefdom to ensure that conservation rules align with local traditions while meeting national legal standards. This integration of customary law and statutory regulation provides a stable foundation for long-term land management. It also creates a clear pathway for communities to benefit from the sustainable use of natural resources. Scientific research suggests that regulated, community-led management is a powerful tool for biodiversity conservation. When local populations are given the authority and resources to manage their own land, they are more likely to invest in the protection of habitats. This model contrasts with top-down approaches that often exclude the people living closest to the wildlife. By fostering local ownership, the Mize Community Conservancy aims to create a sustainable future for both the people and the animals of the region. Anti-poaching efforts remain a top priority for the conservancy as it begins its operations. Illegal hunting poses a severe threat to wildlife, and the presence of trained scouts serves as a deterrent to criminal networks. The program treats poaching as a serious crime that undermines both ecological health and the economic potential of the community. By securing the landscape, the conservancy ensures that wildlife can thrive without the constant pressure of unregulated exploitation. Beyond immediate protection, the conservancy serves as a model for other regions facing similar conservation challenges. The project demonstrates how international partnerships can provide the technical and financial support necessary for local communities to lead their own conservation journeys. As the conservancy matures, it will continue to monitor its impact on wildlife populations and community well-being. These findings will help refine future strategies for managing wildlife corridors across Zambia and the wider African continent.