Anti Poaching, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
2021 - Anti Poaching, Lower Zambezi, Zambia - donation of USD 12,500
In 2021, support from SwissAfrican Foundation has helped to cover a portion of CLZ's (Conservation Lower Zambezi) operational costs for staff salaries which is a major part of the important behind-the-scenes work in conservation.
80% of CLZ staff are hired from the local communities and while the organization was able to retain all staff in 2020 through emergency funding and donations, support from SwissAfrican Foundation ensured that all staff were once again maintained in 2021. This support prevented further distress due to job loss within the communities and allowed CLZ to continue to empower and support hard-working and dedicated employees.
The need for a long-term, ongoing law enforcement training programme has been evident for some time to ensure sustained improvement of law enforcement tactics across all operations. The development of this new programme has allowed for a more focused and strategic approach to wildlife crime. Two courses were conducted in 2021. The first course was a selection and training for the CLZ's new Marine Unit and Rapid Deployment Team (formerly Rapid Response Unit). The second course was Basic Refresher Training, during which 24 Community Scouts and DNPW officers attended a three-week programme to refresh and build their skills. While Rangers are required to complete basic training, it is rare that they are given the opportunity to grow and build those skills through professional development and training.
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Conservation Lower Zambezi
Patrols in the Lower Zambezi conducted by Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) are focused in the Lower Zambezi National Park (4,092km2) and the Chiawa Game Management Area (2,344km2), with an increased presence in the Rufunsa Game Management Area (3,179km2).
Community Scouts (employed by CLZ) and Wildlife Police Officers (employed by DNPW) patrol the Park targeting hotspot areas prone to wildlife crime. Deployments are identified based on intelligence generated through collaboration with DNPW Intelligence Units and through extensive data records from CLZ’s 24/hour Control Centre. Patrols in the GMAs are also conducted to support the communities and safeguard their crops from wildlife, thus allowing their livelihoods and the wildlife to thrive.
CLZ have a technologically advanced monitoring and evaluation system (that is continually improving) which allows real-time tracking of all teams in the field. All deployments are equipped with navigational, solar and data recording equipment in order to streamline data collection and track successes in the field over the years.
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