Nsanga Conservation Cup in the greater Luambe Area 2023
Time Frame: June – August 2023
Partners: Chitungulu Community Resource Board, Chief Chitungulu
Geographical Range: Chitungulu and Mwanya Chiefdom, Lumimba Game Management Area. Nabwalya Chiefdom, Munyamadzi Game Management Area
Project Lead: Tom Riffel, Felix Zulu
Objectives:
- Use football as a platform for conservation messaging.
- Build trust between the conservation sector and the local communities surrounding Luambe National Park.
- Support unity between the three involved Chiefdoms.
Football holds an unparalleled status as the most popular sport in Zambia, serving not just as a beloved pastime but as a communal bond that transcends boundaries. Recognizing the unique role of football, particularly in fostering community engagement, Luambe National Park, situated in the heart of the Luangwa Valley in eastern Zambia, has become a locus for innovative initiatives. Within this region, encompassing three chiefdoms and tens of thousands of inhabitants, life is characterized by extreme environmental conditions, frequent wildlife encounters, and widespread poverty. The imperative for sheer survival often overshadows considerations for wildlife and nature conservation.
In 2023, Nsanga Conservation Zambia launched their inaugural conservation tournament, a pioneering effort to intertwine the popularity of football with the objectives of wildlife preservation. Over 22 teams from the chiefdoms of Chitungulu, Mwanya, and Nabwalya participated in the tournament, which was meticulously organized and executed by local volunteers from the participating chiefdoms. The provision of basic equipment such as footballs, trophies, prize money, rations, team transportation, and referee salaries was ensured.
Spanning several weeks, the tournament not only showcased football prowess but also featured regular presentations emphasizing the significance of conservation. The trial tournament proved to be an overwhelming success, attracting several thousand spectators who gathered to watch and fervently support their favourite teams. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential of sports, particularly football, to serve as a catalyst for community engagement and foster a collective commitment to wildlife conservation in the challenging environment of the Luangwa Valley.
