The World Bank, through the Ministry of Tourism, has disbursed K3.5 million to six Community-Based Entities (CBEs) in the Liuwa Tourism Development Area, supporting the Green, Resilient, and Transformational Tourism Development Project (TDP) in Kalabo District in Western Province.
Western Province Permanent Secretary, Simomo Akapelwa, handed over the cheques to members of the Liuwa tourism community and described the initiative as a strategic move to empower communities living in tourism destinations and protected areas.
Mr Akapelwa said the Nature-Based Partnership Matching Grant is specifically designed to enhance community participation in tourism development while promoting environmental sustainability.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to promoting tourism growth and strengthening wildlife conservation in Liuwa Plain National Park.
“The initiative aligns with the national tourism policy, which recognises tourism as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation and rural development,” Mr. Akapelwa said.
He added that community-led tourism ensures local people derive tangible economic, social and environmental benefits while also strengthening cultural heritage preservation.
Meanwhile, Kalabo District Commissioner Musangu Njamba emphasised that Government support is extended to all Zambians without discrimination based on tribe, education or political affiliation.
Mr Njamba urged residents of Liuwa Constituency to uphold wildlife conservation efforts in order to continue benefiting from government support.
And a representative of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), Induna Mundandwe, expressed concern over the drastic decline in certain animal species in the national park due to increased poaching in recent years.
Induna Mundandwe attributed the situation to the proliferation of firearms that entered the area during the civil war in neighboring Angola, which he said made guns easily accessible and contributed to illegal hunting activities.
He called on communities surrounding the park to strengthen collaboration with African Parks to ensure enhanced protection of wildlife in the area.
The K3.5 million disbursed to the six community groups is expected to improve livelihoods and support sustainable tourism development, with additional beneficiaries anticipated in the second phase of the project.
