Zambia Takes a Major Step Forward in Securing the Kafue Flats
Zambia’s former Minister of Tourism, Mr. Rodney Sikumba, delivers remarks at the launch ceremony for the General Management Plans of the Kafue Flats’ protected areas.
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 (GMPs) for protected areas by the former Minister of Tourism, Mr. Rodney Sikumba. Among the plans launched is the GMP for the Kafue Flats landscape, which includes Blue Lagoon and Lochinvar National Parks.
The launch marks a significant milestone in the sustainable management of the Kafue Flats, a globally important wetland ecosystem that supports biodiversity, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, cultural heritage, and local livelihoods.
The Kafue Flats GMP is being implemented under a 20-year collaborative partnership between the International Crane Foundation, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Zambia, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). Supported by WWF Zambia and GIZ Zambia, the launch event at Lusaka National Park brought together government representatives, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, donors, conservation partners, and the media, demonstrating a shared commitment to protecting the landscape.
Required under the Zambia Wildlife Act of 2015, the GMP serves as a strategic roadmap for managing protected areas while balancing conservation goals with the socio-economic needs of surrounding communities. Key priorities of the plan include strengthening community participation in conservation, promoting sustainable tourism, enhancing wildlife and habitat protection, improving governance and law enforcement, and encouraging sustainable use of natural resources.
A central principle of the plan is the recognition that long-term conservation success depends on the active involvement of local communities in managing and protecting the resources they rely on.
Speaking during the launch, Minister Sikumba emphasized the importance of linking conservation with economic development. He noted that well-managed protected areas can drive tourism growth and contribute to Zambia’s ambition of building a billion-dollar tourism industry by 2030. His remarks highlighted the role of healthy ecosystems in supporting jobs, investment, and sustainable livelihoods.
The launch also underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving conservation outcomes. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Vivien Ndhlovu, commended the collaboration between the government and cooperating partners in developing the plans. Acting DNPW Director Mr. Jones Masonde noted that the GMPs will strengthen the management and protection of ecosystems across the country.
WWF Zambia Director Ms. Agnes Chinyama described the launch as an important milestone that aligns conservation, community livelihoods, and sustainable tourism. She highlighted the inclusive planning process that brought together diverse stakeholders to shape the final plan.
A cultural group providing entertainment during the launch.
Traditional leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to conservation. Senior Chief Nalubamba of Namwala District emphasized the role of traditional leadership in supporting sustainable natural resource management and encouraging community participation.
The GMP follows a successful five-day validation workshop in Monze attended by more than 160 stakeholders, ensuring that the plan reflects the views and priorities of communities, government institutions, traditional authorities, and conservation partners.
More than a planning document, the Kafue Flats GMP represents a long-term commitment to protecting one of Zambia’s most valuable landscapes. Through continued collaboration, the plan provides a strong foundation for conservation, sustainable tourism, and community development, helping secure the Kafue Flats for future generations.
