In a significant milestone, the programme has provided 142 modern beehives, along with honey harvesting kits and processing machines, to local groups. But the most important investment has not been in equipment. It has been in people. Before the hives were handed over, beneficiaries underwent hands-on training in apiary management, learning how to care for bees, harvest honey, and process it into marketable products that can support long-term income generation. 

On 5th June 2026, the International Crane Foundation partnered with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and other stakeholders to commemorate World Environment Day at Lusaka National Park in Lusaka under the national theme, “Accelerating Zambia’s Climate Action for Green Growth and Sustainability.”

Zambia has taken a major step toward securing the future of the Kafue Flats, one of the country’s most important ecosystems, with the launch of seven General Management Plans for protected areas by the former Minister of Tourism, Mr. Rodney Sikumba.

The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the International Crane Foundation and WWF Zambia, has launched a five-year US$9 million Global Environment Facility (GEF) Kafue Flats Project aimed at restoring the Kafue Flats ecosystem, and securing wildlife habitat and species, while improving livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting sustainable development for communities across the wetland landscape.

The International Crane Foundation in Africa calls for governments, organisations, and individuals to work alongside traditional custodians to restore wetlands for a secure future of cranes and people ahead of World Wetlands Day to be celebrated on 2nd February under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.”

With generous support from The Elephant Charge, the International Crane Foundation in Zambia recently conducted a series of community radio awareness campaigns to raise understanding and appreciation of the Kafue Flats ecosystem.

A newly commissioned modern office block at Blue Lagoon National Park Headquarters at Naleza will serve as a vital hub for Wildlife management, research, and community engagement in Zambia’s Kafue Flats.

Zambia holds a special place in global crane conservation. The country hosts more than half of the world’s Vulnerable Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) population, alongside the Endangered Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum). These iconic birds depend on vast wetlands such as the Kafue Flats, Bangweulu Wetlands, Liuwa Plain National Park, Busanga Swamps, and Barotse Floodplains for their survival. 

This summer, the International Crane Foundation in Zambia partnered with the Mumbwa District Health Office to conduct a voluntary health screening for Wildlife Police Officers, Community Scouts, International Crane Foundation staff, and their families at Blue Lagoon National Park.