WE EXIST TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE IN THE ZAMBESIA REGION – AND AFRICA AS A WHOLE.
Who and What is the ZCA?
Founded by Luke and Suzanne Brown from Vayeni together with Robin Brown from Cansaf and other passionate wildlife enthusiasts, The Zambesia Conservation Alliance (ZCA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to drive awareness through creative and impactful movements that connect to conservation. The ZCA provides a platform for the voices and efforts of those tirelessly working for wildlife on the frontline for conservation in Africa. Their needs are increasingly more real and without support they risk failing in their quest. Their passion is palpable, and their drive is resilient, but they need cheerleaders, volunteers and resources.
ZAMBESIA
[ zam-bee-see-uh]
noun
1 (region) a wildlife-rich area of great environmental and economic importance, stretching from the Southern shores of Lake Tanganyika in the North to the Limpopo River in the South. It is within this band from coasts East (Mozambique) to West (Namibia and Angola) that the river systems drain into the great Zambezi River.
Why create the ZCA?
Africa’s wildlife is a rich gift to the world! Without this incredible gift Our Earth would be distinctly hollow. Its presence highlights our deep inner connection to all that is pure and timeless. The incredible and diverse intricacies are not something we can recreate. We are finite beings on this planet and what we create is finite too.
Over the last 50-60 years tourism to Africa’s safari areas has grown exponentially. Visitors have flocked in great numbers to witness the wonders of Africa. Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Mana Pools, Luangwa and Etosha are just a few great names that resonate among so many. These phenomenal spaces have become synonymous with life changing safari journeys. Each voyage has ignited soul enhancing experiences with Africa’s wildlife. Aside from these intense transformations in people’s lives, Tourism to Africa generates billions of dollars each year and secures millions of livelihoods. Most importantly tourism has largely been the deciding factor in a very fragile balance that has had to contend with growing threats to Africa’s wildlife and the vast areas they inhabit.
Covid-19 has created a tipping point for wildlife conservation in Africa. Dangers have always lurked, but in just a few short months Covid-19 has already begun to tip the scales significantly towards a point of no return. This is the point at which we can easily lose control of the balance and allow the ‘monsters’ to grow unchecked. Poaching, driven by the illicit wildlife trade has been a real threat for a long time. Tourist dollars have been the bulk contributor towards a diverse network of conservation initiatives. These exist across Africa’s wild spaces and they include, but are not limited to anti-poaching units, critical research initiatives, wildlife rehabilitation programmes, education programmes, and extraordinary veterinary efforts. The fight so far has been tough, but things have just become a whole lot more challenging. Annexation of land, long zoned for wildlife, is now a real possibility unless the value of tourism can be replaced.
How do we fight our way forwards? With tourism to Africa likely to be significantly impacted for the foreseeable future, and almost certain to change shape when it returns, we are at turning point in the battle for Africa’s wildlife. Can we really afford to let go and watch it crumble? We must find new ways to fight the way forward; chart a direction through unknown territories and devise creative strategies that have profound and lasting impacts. This is not a single fight, but a series of battles that must be won, in order for there to be significant results.
What movements are initiated by the ZCA?
The inclusive movement for wildlife + habitat conservation in Africa, acting as an umbrella for uniquely engaging initiatives.
A movement to bring Sport and Conservation together through a series of entertaining head to head encounters by known African sports men and women.
A #SportForConservation project bringing African sporting icons together in a series of head to head quiz-style encounters online with a deeper message for Conservation.
The Conservation Games are a #SportForConservation initiative that are already underway. Sporting heroes from different countries and disciplines will go head to head in a series of online “quiz style” battles over the next few weeks. Sporting legends such as Heath Streak, Jon Smit, Pommie Mbangwa, Victor Matfield, Brendan de Jonge, Wayne Black, Nick Mallet, Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira and many more have signed up or are endorsing the games. All matches will be broadcast via the Conservation Games youtube and social media platforms.
Please like, follow and share the Conservation Games pages:
How can you help ZCA?
Anyone, no matter what their background can help the cause for wildlife conservation in Africa. We would love for you to contact us so we can explain the many ways you can assist.
To donate, please click here: DONATE NOW
How do we collect funds?
Individuals and organizations from anywhere around the world may transfer their donated funds through a protected PAYPAL payment platform online or by bank transfer into the Trust Account. The ZCA has partnered with Savannah Conservation, an officially registered Trust in Zimbabwe, to be able to receive any funding that will then be ear-marked for onward distribution to deserving frontline conservation partners.
How do we distribute funds?
The ZCA works with a number of wildlife trusts and conservation initiatives on the ground in Zambesia and beyond. Each organization we work with is vetted and verified. We are always looking to support new deserving initiatives. If you feel your organisation qualifies, please get in touch.
* All proceeds coming in and funds going out are fully audited by Ernst & Young.
The ZCA website: CLICK HERE
ZCA Page on Facebook: CLICK HERE
ZCA on Instagram: CLICK HERE
Contact Us: info@zambesia.com
