Luambe Conservation Cup in the greater Luambe Area 2025
Time Frame: June – November 2025
Partners: IFAW, Chitungulu Foundation, Chitungulu Community, Mwanya Community, Nabwalya Community
Geographical Range: Chitungulu and Mwanya Chiefdom, Lumimba Game Management Area. Nabwalya Chiefdom, Munyamadzi Game Management Area
Project Lead: Geofrey Zulu
Objectives:
- Strengthen unity and cooperation between chiefdoms through sport
- Build mutual trust between NGOs and local communities.
- Deliver environmental education and awareness throughout the Luambe region.
- Support gender equality and visibility for women and men in all tournaments.
- Cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders and advocates
Uniting Communities, Promoting Conservation, and Supporting Gender Equality
The Luambe Conservation Cup 2025 marked the third consecutive year of a tournament that brings communities together through sport while promoting conservation and gender equality. For the second year in a row, the event featured both women’s and men’s competitions, celebrating the power of football to unite chiefdoms, strengthen friendships and raise awareness about peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.
The tournament gathered children, youth and elders from communities across the Luambe landscape, Nabwalya, Mwanya and Chitungulu, alongside conservation partners and local football teams. Altogether, more than 2,000 players and supporters were directly involved, with over 4,000 spectators supporting matches throughout the competition. More than a sporting event, the Conservation Cup serves as a shared platform for community participation, environmental education and social connection.
The football matches attracted strong participation and enthusiastic support from local communities. In total, 66 teams took part across the three chiefdoms: 34 men’s teams and 32 women’s teams, with women forming half of all competing squads. Alongside the competition, the event featured educational and conservation focused activities designed to inspire the next generation to care for natural resources.
A wildlife and conservation quiz gave participants the chance to test and expand their knowledge of ecosystems in the Luangwa Valley. All 16 qualifying teams (8 men’s and 8 women’s) took part, with around 400 athletes answering questions on wildlife protection, forest conservation and park regulations. Supported by prizes from Project Luangwa and Crispin Mason-Jones, the quiz combined education with fun and encouraged active participation.
School children also led a litter‑picking exercise around the football pitches at the Chitungulu finals venue. Pupils from Nthumbe and Chitungulu Primary School Conservation Clubs, supported by the Chitungulu Foundation, collected and safely disposed of four drums of waste, promoting cleanliness and highlighting the importance of caring for shared community spaces. This hands‑on activity reinforced positive environmental behaviour and youth leadership.
Creative expression played an important role in the event. Students performed poems and debates focused on conservation, human wildlife coexistence and the future of natural resources. These performances gave young participants an opportunity to share their perspectives and encouraged critical thinking about environmental challenges. The activity was guided by Stephan Nkhata from the Chitungulu Foundation.
A conservation information stall presented the work of IFAW and Nsanga Conservation, offering community members a chance to learn about wildlife protection, ongoing conservation initiatives in the Luangwa Valley and get to know local conservation organizations. Visitors engaged directly with conservation teams, exchanged ideas and explored ways to contribute to protecting biodiversity.
Tournament results
The competition delivered exciting matches and strong sportsmanship across both tournaments.
Womens’ tournament
- 1st position Muchinga from Chitungulu
- 2nd position Kachulu from Mwanya
- 3rd position Nthumbe from Chitungulu
- 4th position Yakobe from Mwanya
Mens’ tournament
- 1st position Chocha FC from Chitungulu
- 2nd position Nthumbe FC from Chitungulu
- 3rd position Blue Devil FC from Nabwalya
- 4th position Kapongolo FC from Mwanya
Performancebased awards were also presented, including Best Player of the Tournament, Top Scorer and Best Goalkeeper in both men’s and women’s divisions, highlighting individual excellence and providing positive role models for youth from all three chiefdoms.
During the finals, structured questionnaires were administered with football teams, organizing committees, spectators and local businesses to better understand the social and conservation impact of the Luambe Conservation Cup.
Overall feedback was strongly positive. All football teams reported that women were equally involved in the tournament, highlighting progress toward gender inclusion. At the same time, teams knew very few female referees from their own chiefdoms, showing that women remain underrepresented in officiating roles and that this is an area for future improvement.
The conservation quiz successfully strengthened environmental awareness. Participants reported learning about wildlife protection, forest conservation and peaceful coexistence with animals, as well as new facts about species and park regulations. Many described feeling proud and happy to be part of an event that combined sport with conservation education.
The tournament also strengthened relationships between chiefdoms. Nearly all teams described their interactions with others as friendly and supportive, and every team expressed willingness to participate in future events. Players and spectators highlighted additional benefits including improved access to sports equipment, stronger youth engagement, increased local business activity and greater community unity.
Feedback from organising committees confirmed strong cooperation between stakeholders and communities, although transportation and logistics were identified as key challenges. Spectators and local businesses reported high attendance and noted that the event boosted social interaction and economic activity while spreading conservation messages.
Participants suggested practical improvements for future tournaments, including better equipment, food provision, enhanced security and continued investment in conservation education. Many community members also recommended rotating the host chiefdom to share opportunities and experiences more widely.
The Luambe Conservation Cup 2025 demonstrated that sport can be a powerful tool for unity, youth empowerment and education. By combining football with conservation awareness and creative expression, the event strengthened community bonds and inspired participants to value and protect the natural resources that sustain them. With over 2,000 people directly involved and thousands more watching, the tournament has become not only a popular sporting highlight but also an effective platform for promoting conservation awareness, social cohesion and community development.
Through initiatives like the Conservation Cup, communities across the Luangwa Valley continue to build a future where people and wildlife thrive together.
Donate today and support our work
Contribute to empowering communities through initaitives such as the annual Luambe Conservation Cup and many other community-based activities around Luambe National Park
