This project aimed to safeguard wildlife and enhance conservation efforts in the Sichifulo and Mulobezi Game Management
Areas (GMAs) in Zambia. The project focused on wildlife protection, habitat conservation, and alternative livelihood support for local communities. Key initiatives included improving anti- poaching efforts by equipping 50 patrolling officers with uniforms, boots, and patrolling kits to enhance their operational readiness. Additionally, solar water systems were installed at two boreholes to provide year-round water for wildlife, addressing the critical issue of water scarcity during the dry season. This step reduced wildlife mortality and helped prevent human-wildlife conflicts. The project also tackled habitat protection by creating 50 km of firebreaks to mitigate the risk of wildfires. The community actively participated in fire management activities, which involved employing 30 local workers. This collaborative effort strengthened the relationship between local communities, Panthera, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), ensuring shared responsibility for conservation efforts.

To further support sustainable livelihoods, the project introduced alternative income-generating activities, such as distributing
gardening seed packs to 200 households. This initiative aimed to improve food security and reduce dependence on poaching
as a survival strategy in economically stressed communities. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach integrated wildlife conservation with community development, ensuring the sustainability of both environmental protection and socio-economic growth. Through enhanced patrol operations, water access for wildlife, and local community engagement, the project contributed significantly to safeguarding the biodiversity of Sichifulo and Mulobezi GMAs.

Project Outputs:

• Provision of IT/office equipment to Dundumwezi and Mulobezi sectors for law enforcement operations coordination and administration (4x laptops, 2x printers, 5x toner, and 12x reams of paper)
• 51 Combat uniforms and full patrolling kits procured and distributed to each patrolling officer
• 112 km of firebreaks created. Thirty (30) community workers participated and received remuneration for their time.
• 440 L diesel fuel (for burning programme) sensitisation
• 700 Litres of fuel to support burning programme
• Payments facilitated for 50 Community scouts each month from February to June 2024.
• 40 patrol teams fully resourced with rations, supplies and salary payments from February to June 2023.
• Two boreholes drilled and equipped in the Sichifulo GMA