Zambia leads the way for Sustainable Tourism into 2018

2017 was the year of ‘world firsts’ for Zambia as two of its highly praised National Parks claimed prestigious titles regarding sustainability.

SOUTH LUANGWA "SUSTAINABLE WILDLIFE PARK"
The unique status of "Sustainable Wildlife Park" was bestowed upon South Luangwa NP in November by Dr. Taleb Rifai - the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation UNWTO.

Zambia’s President Edward Lungu announced the award at the UNWTO International Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Lusaka stating that the momentous declaration will ensure that the national park remains a natural wildlife sanctuary, managed in a sustainable manner for generations to come.

South Luangwa National Park already has numerous examples of socially responsible development, but the announcement means more support to the sector and the park itself.

One of these developments is Project Luangwa, a charity set up by Robin Pope Safaris, Kafunta Safaris, Flat Dogs, Shentons Safaris and Croc Valley Camp. Project Luangwa enables the building of schools, sponsorship of children, running of girls clubs, teaching women skills that earn them a living and much more. Read more about Project Luangwa

Many camps and lodges support Conservation South Luangwa, (CSL) through the Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund. Flatdogs donate funds that pay the Community Resource Boards to employ forest guards to monitor behaviour in the fragile environments they work in to protect the habitats they rely on. Derek Shenton from Shentons Safaris has been on the board of CSL since inception 20 years ago and have worked with them and privately funded patrols since inception as well as raising funds through their conservation levy and client donations.

LOWER ZAMBEZI - CARBON NEUTRAL SECOND TIME RUNNING
Down in Lower Zambezi NP, thanks to the BioCarbon and the Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project 2017, the park became the world’s first national park to achieve a carbon neutral status -for the second year in a row!

BioCarbon’s project REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is a project that helps farming communities in Zambia improve their livelihoods, protect disappearing forests and create a sanctuary for globally threatened wildlife. Every camp within the national park is part of the project – including lodges on the outskirts.

Other camps and lodges involved in achieving carbon neutrality include Anabezi and Amanzi Camps, Baines River Camp and Royal Zambezi Lodge.

Tourism is the world’s largest service sector industry, with significant energy, fuel and food production needs, the success of this project makes it a shining light for Africa’s sustainable tourism.

If you have clients that are particularly keen on the growing market for sustainable and responsible travel, Zambia really is the destination for them. Read the full article here.