Lusenga Plains National Park is located in the Northern part of Zambia within the Luapula province and stands as a testament to Zambia's rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
It boasts a captivating landscape, from
evergreen forests and swamps to the mighty Kalungwishi River that forms its
eastern border and includes Zambia's second-highest waterfall: Lumangwe Falls.
The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species recorded, including
the elusive Blue Quail, the vibrant Banded Martin, and the stunning
Violet-backed Sunbird. While game viewing opportunities are currently limited,
the restocking program initiated in 2007 is steadily increasing animal
populations. Soon, visitors may have the chance to spot buffaloes, blue and
yellow-backed duikers, and even playful Gambian Sun Squirrels.
Now this relatively smaller national park,
covering 880 square kilometers, is set to change with the support of the
Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development Project (TRALARD).
Mr. Titus Walima, the Projects Luapula
Provincial Operations Officer, sheds light on the initiatives and aspirations
driving this collaborative effort.
"The TRALARD project development
objective is to improve natural resource management in the northern region of
Zambia to support sustainable livelihoods," Walima said.
He further emphasized that Lusenga Plains
National Park is integral to this objective, being a unique and vital ecosystem
in its own right.
Mr. Walima elaborates on the support from the project
to the national park, stating that under component two, the project seeks to
support the management of community forests and protected areas.
This includes the construction of staff
houses, the provision of earth-moving equipment, and the establishment of
communication facilities. As Mr. Walima puts it, these interventions are
crucial for "bolstering the park's infrastructure, enhancing operational
efficiency, and ensuring effective management."
Explaining the significance of these
interventions, he notes, "adequate housing for staff improves on-site
management capabilities, while earth-moving equipment facilitates
infrastructure development and maintenance." He further emphasized that
communication facilities enhance connectivity, streamlining coordination
efforts and ensuring a rapid response to emerging challenges, thus contributing
to both development and conservation goals.
According to Mr. Walima, "The
preservation benefits that will be derived from the National Park include
improved management of natural resources for sustainable ecosystems." This
aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
Additionally, the enhanced management of the park creates a complete tourism
itinerary, contributing to the economic growth of the tourism sector.
In terms of progress, he states, "the procurement
process for infrastructure and equipment has commenced." He reassures that
the project provides operational support through collaboration with the
Department of National Parks and Wildlife, indicating tangible steps towards
achieving support objectives for the park.
Mr. Walima further emphasized that the TRALARD
project uses a decentralized approach in implementing project activities. Highlighting
the active involvement of local authorities like the Kawambwa Town Council as
key stakeholders in the project's implementation.
To raise awareness, he noted that the project
has a robust communication strategy that ensures public participation and
awareness of project intervention. Adding that traditional leadership is
engaged, and an information center will be constructed as part of an enhanced
strategy for raising awareness.
In conclusion, the Provincial Operations
Officer affirms the TRALARD Project's commitment to a holistic approach to
conservation and sustainable development, underscoring the importance of
collaborative efforts for the preservation of Zambia's natural heritage.
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