Preserving Zambia’s Natural Heritage, Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Program

By Luckson Mwale

Zambia boasts an impressive array of conservation areas, including 20 National Parks and 36 Game Management Areas, covering 165,700 km2 (30%) of its land surface. The real wild acts as buffer zones between protected and developed regions, reflecting Zambia’s commitment to conserving its natural heritage.
Among these treasures lies Nsumbu National Park, strategically located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika the largest water body within a national park and home to the highest number of fish species in Zambia. Nsumbu National Park spans an impressive 2,026 square kilometres, including over 100 square kilometres of protected waters within Lake Tanganyika. The park’s diverse ecosystem features aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, offering a unique blend of natural wonders.
As part of the larger Nsumbu-Mweru landscape, the park supports the region’s highest wildlife numbers and has the potential to act as a source population for recovering other protected areas. The park is home to the largest remaining tracts of Itigi Sumbu thickets, an ecosystem characterised by thick, deciduous woody vegetation growing on specialized acidic duricrust-forming soils. Unfortunately, over 60% of this ecosystem has been lost in the past 50 years due to fire sensitivity, agricultural expansion, and wood harvesting.
Efforts to protect this fragile environment are essential, as the thickets’ ability to recover after degradation is minimal. After years of illegal hunting that severely depleted its wildlife populations, Nsumbu National Park is experiencing a remarkable turnaround thanks to extensive conservation efforts over the past decade. Ecological monitoring indicates increasing wildlife numbers, with growing elephant herds spreading across the park’s expanse.
A groundbreaking milestone occurred on September 18, 2024, when three lions, two females from the same pride and a male from a different pride, were successfully translocated to the park. This operation, carried out by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and the Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Program (NTCP), marked a pivotal step in restoring the ecosystem.
The lions’ arrival was celebrated in a cultural ceremony attended by local leaders, including Senior Chief Nsama and Chieftainess Chomba Wa Kasaba. Reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage, the lions were named to honor local traditions Chisama Kabobole, symbolizing strength and leadership; Katimbilwa Mali, embodying nurturing and self-sufficiency; and Sufina, representing the future of conservation leadership.
The NTCP’s success lies in its collaborative approach, integrating local communities, the Ministry of Agriculture camp office, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and the Nsama Community Resource Board.
Human-wildlife conflict, especially during the wet season, has long posed challenges. To address this, the NTCP installed a solar-powered electric fence in the Munjela Community, effectively preventing animals like hippos from encroaching on farmland and destroying crops.
Local residents like Howard Kombe and Loveness Mwape expressed gratitude for this innovative solution, citing improved agricultural productivity and secure livelihoods as key benefits. NTCP’s Wildlife biologist, Thandiwe Mweetwa emphasised the importance of these interventions in fostering harmonious coexistence between human livelihoods and conservation efforts.
Nsumbu National Park offers diverse tourist activities, from water-based adventures on Lake Tanganyika to conventional game drives. Visitors can enjoy boat cruising, fishing, and wildlife viewing by vehicle or boat, creating a multifaceted experience. The park is accessible by road, water, and air, with two airstrips Nkamba Bay and Kasaba Bay facilitating travel for tourists and conservationists alike.
Education plays a central role in the NTCP’s mission. The SUFINA program, led by Community Conservation Educator Moses Mwamba, raises awareness and equips communities with the knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in conservation. “These initiatives not only preserve biodiversity but also generate social and economic benefits for present and future generations,” Mwamba noted.
Under its mission of “Conserving landscapes, enriching lives,” the NTCP represents a long-term partnership between Zambia’s (DNPW)and the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS). By addressing human-wildlife conflict, restoring lion populations, and fostering community engagement, the NTCP exemplifies an integrated approach to natural resource management.
Project Manager Zanne Labuschagne reiterated the NTCP’s dedication to securing the integrity of the Nsumbu-Mweru landscape for social and economic benefits. “These efforts protect critical ecosystems while enriching the lives of local communities,” she said, emphasising the program’s role as a beacon of hope for integrated conservation across Africa.
The program has established a long-term partnership between Zambia’s DNPW and FZS by integrating wildlife protection, sustainable resource use, and community engagement. This collaboration ensures the protection of critical ecosystems while enriching the lives of local communities.
The NTCP’s innovative initiatives serve as a model for conservation efforts across Zambia and beyond. By harmonising the needs of local communities with the imperatives of wildlife conservation, Nsumbu National Park stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable development and biodiversity preservation in Africa.
As a fellow of Wildlife Crime Prevention’s Environmental Crime Journalism (ECJ) Fellowship second cohort, funded by the United States Embassy, the author is among 10 fellows to gain insights into Zambia’s conservation challenges. This initiative equips journalists with the skills to effectively communicate the importance of conserving natural resources, aiming to shape public understanding and foster community engagement in conservation efforts.

This article was made possible by a partnership between Daily Nation and WCP Zambia.