OPERATIONS REPORT, 2001

During 2001, CLZ increased their support of ZAWA wildlife activities in the National Park and surrounding GMA'S, almost doubling the number of patrol man-days from the previous year. As in the past assistance was provided through provision of rations, fuel, maintenance, air support, transportation, field kit, communications, training and human resources for ZAWA and their Wildlife Officers.

CLZ supported 72 patrols, well in excess of 3000 man-days in the field including; extended field patrols (5 man teams for up to 15 days), day patrols, river patrols, field investigations and clean up operations. CLZ assisted ZAWA with rapid responses to all gunshot reports and were very pleased with the motivation and dedication shown by the Wildlife Officers who were always willing to respond, even if in the middle of the night.

The above mentioned assistance helped lead to the following law enforcement statistics, confiscations and recoveries.

CLZ's plane flew regular aerial support for ZAWA patrols and assisted with ration and medical aid drops as well as wildlife monitoring activities. The plane is now based in the valley at Royal Zambezi Airstrip under its own hanger only 1 km from CLZ base camp. Although the plane was grounded for a few months due to mechanical problems it still played a vital role in the protection of the area flying over 120 hours.

Even with CLZ's increased support and assistance with anti-poaching activities, poaching incidences were still much higher then expected. Up until the end of August there was only one elephant known to be poached in the park, a good indicator species. Sadly between September and November approximately 14 more were lost bringing the annual total in the park to 15.

The continued ZAWA transitional problems from former National Parks and Wildlife Service combined with the fact that there was no hunting in Zambia during 2001 resulted in a massive loss of revenue for ZAWA. This has not helped to ease the pressure on an already fragile environment. ZAWA's loss of revenue frequently caused a delay in payments of Wildlife Officers salaries for long periods that sometimes extended up to 5 months. When ZAWA employees nationwide were on strike or go-slow, the Lower Zambezi Command Unit continued to operate as normal. Lower Zambezi National Park was one of the only wildlife areas in Zambia that had continuous protection during 2001 resulting in stabilised illegal activities whilst poaching in most other areas nationwide increased dramatically.

CLZ supported ZAWA at their revenue collection stations; Jeki Airstrip, Chongwe Confluence and Chongwe Gate. This support included: rations, logistics, equipment, stationary and the printing of park information.

CLZ opened, graded and maintained over 160 km of main road, 50 km of loop roads and access roads to 12 observation posts. The loop roads are designed to reduce pressure along the popular river routes and to allow a more rapid and efficient response for anti-poaching activities.

CLZ developed their communication network with the introduction of bushmail (email by HF radio) at base camp, bimonthly newsletters, an annual news Leaflet and the CLZ Valley Net (a valley info program by VHF radio). Base camp expanded slightly with one more twoman tent erected, ration and fuel stores re-organised and the construction of a two-vehicle shelter to help protect the new Landcruiser CLZ purchased in October.

© Afrikeye 1999 - 2007 (certain items under permission of original copyright owner)

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