15/09/2021
Repost African Parks
Do you know the story behind Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia?
Liuwa Plain has one of the oldest conservation histories in Africa, dating back to the 19th century where the King of Barotseland, Lubosi Lewanika, appointed his people to be the custodians of the park and its wildlife. In 1972 Liuwa was granted national park status, but by the early 2000s decades of unsustainable land-use and poaching had resulted in a steep decline of wildebeest and zebra populations and the expansion of agriculture, leaving just one lonely lioness roaming the plains. In 2003, the DNPW and the Barotse Royal Establishment invited African Parks to join them in helping ensure the King’s legacy. Due to effective law enforcement, poaching levels subsided and in 2008 we reintroduced lion, followed by eland and buffalo. Community land-use plans were implemented, along with sustainable fish harvesting and other community projects, providing alternative livelihoods for local people. Today, the park demonstrates a unique synergy between humans and wildlife, it is a stronghold for hyaena, cheetah and lions and delivers critical educational and health benefits to its 12,000 community members.
📸 Andrew Macdonald Photography
