Conservation Lower Zambezi

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CONSERVATION LOWER ZAMBEZI

Kafue District, Zambia
ElephantsMultiple speciesWildlife ProtectionHuman–Wildlife Coexistence

CLZ strive to mitigate threats to wildlife through a holistic approach including community empowerment, education and research.

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to safeguarding the wildlife and ecosystems of the Lower Zambezi, Zambia. Since 1994, CLZ has worked alongside the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to combat poaching, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable conservation efforts.

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IMPACT

Impact Snapshot

30+ years of conservation work in the Lower Zambezi ecosystem, since CLZ was established in 1994.
4,092 km² of Lower Zambezi National Park supported through conservation and wildlife protection efforts.
3 core areas of impact: wildlife protection, environmental education, and community empowerment.
Thousands of local schoolchildren and community members have been reached through CLZ’s environmental education and community conservation programmes.
Year-round support is provided to Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife through patrols, training, equipment, operational support, and wildlife monitoring.

Conservation Impact

Conservation Lower Zambezi is helping secure the long-term future of the Lower Zambezi ecosystem by protecting its wildlife and habitats while strengthening the role of local communities in conservation. By addressing both environmental and human pressures, CLZ is building a more resilient landscape where people and wildlife can thrive together.

The Conservation Challenge

Key Threats and Pressures

The Lower Zambezi faces continued pressure from wildlife crime, including poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, alongside habitat loss and increasing human-wildlife conflict. Communities bordering the protected area can lose crops, livestock and, at times, human lives to wildlife, particularly elephants and predators. These pressures can undermine local livelihoods and tolerance for wildlife, making effective law enforcement, habitat protection and community-led conservation essential.

Why it Matters

Reducing poaching and habitat pressure will help protect the Lower Zambezi’s elephants and other wildlife and maintain a healthy, connected ecosystem. At the same time, reducing human-wildlife conflict will make living alongside wildlife safer and more economically viable for neighbouring communities. Together, these efforts strengthen local support for conservation and help ensure the Lower Zambezi remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations.

WHAT'S NEEDED NOW

Anti-snare workshop within local communities

$2,000 USD

CLZ’s anti-snare workshops work with local communities to tackle the threat of illegal wildlife snaring through education, awareness and practical engagement. A contribution of around US$2,000 can fund a workshop, helping communities understand the impact of snares on wildlife and encouraging locally led solutions to reduce their use.

ImpactThe workshop helps reduce wildlife deaths and injuries caused by snares by addressing the issue at community level. Through education and open discussion, participants gain a better understanding of the impact of snaring on wildlife and the wider ecosystem, helping build local support for conservation and encouraging longer-term behaviour change.

3 Day Operation for the K9 Unit

$400 USD

CLZ’s K9 Unit supports frontline wildlife protection in the Lower Zambezi, using specially trained detection dogs and handlers to help combat wildlife crime. The team assists with operations such as detecting illegal wildlife products and tracking suspects, strengthening the work of law-enforcement teams protecting the Lower Zambezi ecosystem. Around US$400 can fund a three-day K9 Unit operation.

ImpactSupporting the K9 Unit strengthens frontline protection for elephants and other wildlife across the Lower Zambezi. Detection dogs help law-enforcement teams locate illegal wildlife products, identify evidence and track suspects more effectively, increasing the chances of intercepting wildlife crime while also providing a visible deterrent to poaching and trafficking.

TRAVEL CONNECTION

Nearest DestinationZambia

Suggested Camps & Experiences

The best way to experience Conservation Lower Zambezi’s work is by staying at one of the conservation-supporting camps or lodges in the Lower Zambezi and exploring the landscape with experienced guides. Game drives, walking safaris and canoe or boat trips reveal the extraordinary wildlife of the Zambezi Valley while providing insight into the challenges of protecting it. Travellers can also arrange a visit to Conservation Lower Zambezi’s base, where they can learn more about anti-poaching, wildlife monitoring, human–wildlife coexistence and community programmes, and meet some of the people working to protect this remarkable ecosystem.

Travel Partnerships

Travellers can experience the Lower Zambezi conservation story by staying with one of CLZ’s supporting safari camps and lodges, including Chiawa Camp, Royal Zambezi Lodge, Baines’ River Camp, Kanyemba Lodge, Zambezi Grande and Nuyanaya River Camp. Exploring the area with local guides brings CLZ’s work into context, while a visit to CLZ’s Base Camp can offer a deeper understanding of wildlife protection, research, environmental education and community conservation

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WAYS TO SUPPORT

Donate

Make a direct contribution to this conservation project and help protect wildlife on the ground.

DONATE TO THIS PROJECT

Fundraise

Rally your friends and community to support this project. Every bit helps.

START FUNDRAISING

Travel

See wildlife in the wild while supporting conservation on the ground. Visits to EAE partner projects can be arranged.

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