Government is set to restock the Lower Luano Game Management Area (GMA) with 50 puku and 50 buffalo as part of efforts to restore wildlife populations, strengthen biodiversity conservation and enhance the area’s tourism potential.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, t the restocking programme is in line with Government’s conservation priorities under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).
The Lower Luano GMA has historically experienced declining wildlife populations, leaving the area understocked.
However, Ministry’s Principal Public Relations Officer Nelly Banda said sustained resource protection interventions by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), working with local communities, conservation partners and the wildlife hunting outfitter operating in the area, have contributed to significant ecological recovery.
Ms. Banda said in a statement that enhanced wildlife protection, strengthened law enforcement and increased community participation have supported the recovery and establishment of various wildlife species in the area.
“Building on these gains, DNPW will undertake the translocation of 50 puku from Kafue National Park and 50 buffalo from the Lower Zambezi ecosystem to the Lower Luano Game Management Area,” Ms. Banda said.
She explained that the exercise is intended to increase wildlife populations, improve genetic diversity and enhance species diversity, thereby strengthening the ecological resilience and long-term productivity of the Lower Luano ecosystem.
Ms. Banda stated that the intervention is also expected to boost tourism by making Lower Luano a more attractive wildlife destination and supporting the development of sustainable tourism products.
She noted that increased and diversified wildlife populations could create opportunities for employment, local enterprise development and greater community participation in natural resource management.
“This will, in turn, create opportunities for employment, local enterprise development and increased community participation in natural resource management,” she stated.
Ms. Banda further stressed the importance of communities living alongside wildlife as critical partners in conservation.
“The successful recovery of the Lower Luano landscape therefore underscores the importance of ensuring that conservation generates tangible socio-economic benefits for surrounding communities,” Ms. Banda said.
She said the Ministry applauds local communities, the wildlife hunting outfitter operating in the area and other conservation partners for their contribution towards protecting and restoring the Lower Luano landscape.
Ms. Banda added that the recovery of the area demonstrates that effective conservation requires strong partnerships, shared responsibility, sustained law enforcement and active community participation.
“The Lower Luano restocking programme represents another significant step towards securing healthy, resilient and productive ecosystems, while strengthening Zambia’s position as one of Africa’s leading wildlife conservation and tourism destinations,” she added.
