Wildlife Producers Association of Zambia

Over the past three days, WPAZ participated in the High-Level Review of Zambia’s National Rhino Strategic Plan, convened by the Ministry of Tourism through the Department of National Parks & Wildlife

This review comes at a critical moment for Zambia’s wildlife economy, a time that demands inclusive, well-supported conservation models that deliver both ecological and economic impact.

WPAZ strongly welcomes the clear shift toward a more inclusive conservation model one that positions the private sector as a core partner in rhino conservation.

The government’s deliberate acknowledgment of private wildlife estates and community game ranches as essential to the recovery, protection, and expansion of both black and white rhino populations is a step in the right direction.

Rhino conservation is not only an ecological priority; it is a strategic economic opportunity that protects biodiversity while also driving tourism growth, creating jobs, and uplifting communities.

WPAZ remains committed to advocating for a functional, inclusive wildlife economy, where private sector and community actors are empowered to contribute to and benefit from the recovery of Zambia’s rhino populations.

Earlier today at the hashtag , Choolwe Luwamya took part in a panel discussion on Connected Finance, sharing insights on building a stronger wildlife economy through community-led conservation and lessons from the work being done with communities.

Key takeaways from the discussion included:
• The need for clear governance guidelines in community-led conservation
• Rethinking benefit-sharing models to ensure communities receive tangible value and benefits
• Identifying the right skills and strengthening the capacity of community-led organisations

A key message shared was the need to think beyond conservation and donor funding, community-led conservation must be treated as a viable business.

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We excited Choolwe Luwamya, our Community Outreach Officer will be attending the Business Conservation Conference 2026 this week.

She will be speaking during the Connected Finance Parallel Session, sharing WPAZ’s perspective on the intersection of sustainable finance and community-led conservation, and why finance must flow to where it matters most: to the communities and land stewards managing and protecting our wildlife.

🗓 Thursday 5 March, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
📍 Connected Finance Parallel Session

If you are attending BCC2026 in Nairobi, join the conversation and and tag a colleague who should be in the room.

Over the past three days in Johannesburg, Choolwe Luwamya, our Community Outreach Officer, has been engaging with regional stakeholders and partners from across the TFCAs through the Resource Mobilisation and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Programme led by the Sustainable Finance Coalition.

As WPAZ continues to champion Zambia’s wildlife economy, we recognise that sustainable conservation depends on strong financing models, practical resource mobilisation strategies, and strong regional partnerships.

Platforms like this strengthen our institutional readiness to mobilise and steward finance that delivers measurable impact for community-led conservation.

On 20th January 2026, WPAZ made a presentation to the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism, calling for stronger, practical solutions to Zambia’s growing human–wildlife conflict challenge.

WPAZ highlighted the urgent need to establish a dedicated Wildlife Conflict Fund to address injury, loss of life, and verified wildlife-related damages, particularly for communities living alongside wildlife.

The Association also stressed the importance of enhanced education and awareness, and urged policymakers to limit future developments within critical wildlife corridors, where unplanned expansion continues to fuel conflict.

WPAZ remains committed to advocating for coexistence, responsible land-use planning, and a sustainable wildlife economy for Zambia.

Today, WPAZ joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Wildlife Conservation Day, a day to reflect on the importance of safeguarding our natural heritage.

For over two decades, our members have been at the forefront of protecting Zambia’s iconic species, including Kafue lechwe, sable, roan, and other vulnerable wildlife found on private and community game ranches. Their commitment to responsible wildlife management has helped secure safe habitats, restore populations, and reduce pressure on animals threatened in the wild.

As WPAZ, we remain dedicated to promoting community game ranching as a sustainable conservation model. These ranches provide vital sanctuaries for wildlife while empowering local communities with skills, livelihoods, and stewardship of the land and animals under their care.

𝐖𝐏𝐀𝐙 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝐀 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫

Last weekend, WPAZ proudly hosted its first-ever Field Day, bringing together private farmers, community game ranches, emerging game ranchers, and key partners across the wildlife sector.

The event provided a practical platform for learning, demonstrations, and collaboration, covering farm security, anti-poaching strategies, dog demonstrations, wildlife capture techniques, hunting practicality, biosecurity, legal frameworks, and disease control.

We also successfully conducted our first-ever Silent Auction, a major milestone for WPAZ as we work toward innovative fundraising approaches to support the wildlife economy and community conservation efforts.

WPAZ extends its sincere appreciation to all the presenters and stakeholders who contributed to the success of this field day. We are especially grateful to Makuku Game Ranch for allowing us to host the event on their farm, creating an ideal environment for meaningful engagement and knowledge sharing.

A special appreciation to WCP Zambia for sponsoring community leaders from Ntambu Community Game Ranch and Mize Community Conservancy, ensuring community voices were part of this important event.

This morning, WPAZ, with support from WCP Zambia and the Zambia National Farms Union Farm Security Committee, held a stakeholder meeting to discuss the growing challenge of poaching on game farms and commercial farms.

We were joined by DNPW officers from Livingstone and National Prosecution Authority, along with WPAZ members and commercial farmers.

It was an important session that brought everyone together to share experiences, strengthen collaboration, and agree on practical steps to protect wildlife and improve farm security.

A big thank you to all participants for their commitment and constructive engagement.

WCP, in partnership with the West Lunga Conservation Project and the Wildlife Producers Association of Zambia, facilitated a two-day exposure visit for the Ntambu Community Game Reserve Board members to Makuku Game Ranch in Mazabuka.

On the first day, the team had the opportunity to observe and learn about wildlife harvesting practices, responsible hunting methods, and post-harvest handling techniques. These sessions provided board members with a deeper understanding of how sustainable game ranching is managed in practice.

On the second day, training was led by Chief's Chef, in Lusaka, who demonstrated practical skills in processing and value addition. This practical session included how to mix ingredients to create quality value-added legal game meat products, effective product labelling and packaging, attractive display techniques, and customer care skills.

This exchange of knowledge is more than just skills building. Community-owned game reserves empower local people with sustainable livelihood opportunities, reduce dependence on illegal wildlife products, and provide a strong alternative to the bushmeat trade. By equipping communities with both conservation knowledge and business skills, initiatives like this help strike a balance between protecting wildlife and improving rural livelihoods.

Together, we are building a future where communities benefit from conservation while standing at the forefront of the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

Thanks to the Lion Recovery Fund for funding WCP's This Is NOT A Game bushmeat-themed campaign and this initiative.