WPAZ 2021 Newsletter
2021 was the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic which brought with it several challenges but also great opportunities. WPAZ has made the most of the year, with continued membership engagement, partnership growth, and signing on new contracts with donors. The Association continues to adapt to the times, we hosted our first virtual Annual General Meeting in July, so as not to be completely crippled by the changes that COVID-19 has brought about.
DONOR SUPPORT HELPED US DO IT!
USAID
Support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Integrated Land Resources Governance ILRG program is behind the primary success of WPAZ’s full time Secretariat. WPAZ completed the first sub-contract signed under USAID-ILRG in June, 2021 and a new subcontract was offered to WPAZ. This new subcontract will run until December 2022. A continuation of the firm foundation laid during the first one.
HIGHLIGHTS
Steady membership growth
Completed 1st USAID subcontract and secured a second one
First community game ranch capacity building with Ntambu and Nyalugwe
Improved brand communications
Database able to produce trend analysis for all members from 2018 – 2020
PROSPERO
In January 2021, Prospero Limited provided WPAZ with funding to execute the prefeasibility of a community game ranch in Choma. The study was completed indicating a ranch is feasible with appropriate funding and support from surrounding commercial farmers and traditional leaders. The project continues to be moved forward by Mr. Gavin Ross at Gamamwe and Mr. Hamish Ross at Nkanga, with continued lobbying of traditional leadership and setting up of a pilot.
Our Chairman meeting the Minister of Tourism
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
LOBBYING – Submission on Wildlife Act Amendment .
In May, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife invited WPAZ to make submissions on the soon to be amended Wildlife Act. WPAZ Secretariat alongside members made a submission to the Ministry of Tourism and Arts.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT – Community Capacity Building.
20 community members from Nyalugwe and Ntambu communities convened in Mazabuka to learn the basics of game ranch management, diversification of economic activities, and field trips to Kushiya and Matobo farms.
Ntambu and Nyalungwe communities at Kushiya Farms and Matobo Vet during the capacity building
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
STIMULATE INTEREST – Conferences .
WPAZ participated in a global and local conference to increase understanding of who we are and what we do. We attended the Business of Conservation Conference. WPAZ also presented the benefits of community game ranching at the Zambia Community Resources Board Association Annual General Meeting.
STIMULATE INTEREST – Brand Communications.
The Secretariat engaged in various communications events, putting the WPAZ name and badge out there. These include the Zambia Tourism Expo, Mazabuka Livestock Expo and Tangila. Tangila Series was particularly successful as WPAZ stand (in picture above) sold some fresh game meat products from members Delicassa and PAHM.
Secretariat
Financials
PARTNERSHIPS
The capacity building of Ntambu and Nyalugwe communities would not hav ebeen possible without COMACO and West Lunga Conservation Project.
Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Department of Veterinary Services and Wildlife Crime Prevention remain key to helping us achieve our goals of supplying legal game meat to the Zambian market.
A Message from our Chairman – Ian Robinson
“WPAZ continues to advance Zambia’s private and community wildlife industries through partnerships and growing our membership.
2021 was another successful year.”
