The Zambia WildLife Authority (ZAWA) says it will soon restock animals in the Lukwakwa Game Management Area in Kabompo District.
The population of animal in the Game Management Area is said to have depleted because of excessive poaching in the last 15 years.
ZAWA Regional Manager James Mulanzi said this at a stakeholder’s workshop to prepare a general management plan for Lukwakwa Game Management Area held at Greenmate lodge in kabompo today.
Mr. Mulanzi said the area which had a large population of elephants, buffalos and other animals has since been depleted because poachers were using sophiscated fire arms such as AK 47 assault rifles as well as wire-snares and traditional hunting with dogs.
He said lack of good management and supervision by ZAWA in the GMA has also negatively contributed to the crisis that lead to the closure of some camps.
Mr. Mulanzi told the participants that the only way to serve the game management area was to restock it with animals such as elephants, buffalos as well as others and put in place a management plan which will help the community to participate in conservation programmes.
He said this would be done through public private partnership with the Lukwakwa community resource board.
Mr Mulanzi said the general management plan will encompass a frame work for addressing management issue related to resource protection, management, tourism development, cultural resources and sustainable use of wildlife resources.
ZANIS
This is great because it gonna enhance what people are now refering to as Ecotourism. Eco tourism is very important so that future generations can experience the wonderful environment we have today, for responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. This is great Ba ZAWA please ensure the community participate fully in your activities.
Kwena uko kuntu kwaliba sana poaching. Awe mwandi twaliya iyipelesha kunama, isha chipa! You should, apart from restocking, look at ways and means of reducing poaching. Engaging the communities(education, and see how they could also benefit from this resource) and more ZAWA patrols and camps and equipment. The problem with Kapombo and some of the far areas is lack of infrastructure and general amenities. And the lack of information for would be tourist. Tourist board only know Vic Falls and L/stone/. Do they even have a board at ZAWA and Tourist Board as yet? How can things work? Namungala is in copenhagen.