Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 13th April, 2025.
Chunga, Kafue National Park, Zambia.
In a significant step towards bolstering Zambia’s environmental stewardship, the Government has officially commissioned 168 newly trained conservation officers at the Chunga Wildlife Training School, situated within the iconic Kafue National Park.
This distinguished group comprises 54 Honorary Forestry Officers, 10 Forest Range Guards, and 105 Community Scouts, all poised to strengthen the nation’s frontline efforts in natural resource protection. Notably, this ceremony marked a groundbreaking achievement: it is the first time Honorary Forestry Officers and Forest Range Guards have been specially trained for deployment in the Western Province.
Presiding over the 27th Combined Graduation Ceremony, the Western Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Simomo Akapelwa, lauded the graduates for their dedication and perseverance. In his keynote address, he called upon them to uphold the highest standards of service, emphasizing their pivotal role in safeguarding Zambia’s ecological heritage.
“As newly commissioned ambassadors of conservation, your integrity, diligence, and commitment will be critical in preserving our forests, wildlife, and ecosystems,” Mr. Akapelwa affirmed.
This milestone was achieved through robust collaboration with leading conservation partners, including African Parks, Panthera Zambia, Mushingashi Conservancy, and Biocarbon Partners. These strategic alliances continue to play an instrumental role in advancing Zambia’s environmental protection initiatives and promoting sustainable natural resource management.
The New Dawn Government’s unwavering commitment to empowering communities and enhancing conservation capacity underscores its broader vision for sustainable development. By equipping a new generation of conservationists, Zambia is fortifying its pledge to preserve its natural heritage for generations to come.
The Agency.