The Zambezi Society and its The Zambezi Society and its
Adopt-a-Scout Programme
Mother Lioness With Cubs
Zamlin: What is the Zambezi Society?
Benzi: A small environment-concerned group started in Zimbabwe, Africa in 1982, and now dedicating itself to conserving the wildlife and nature of the Zambezi River Basin thereby providing benefit to local communities. This basin is one of the region's most valuable natural heritages in terms of its biodiversity and its wilderness landscapes.
Zamlin: It looks like Kiso River Basin Conservation Society, doesn't it? I am not sure actually there is such a society in Japan, though. (note: Kiso river is known in Japan for its beautiful basin)
A Poached Black Rhino
Benzi: Yes, but the size cannot be compared. The Zambezi River flows through 8 countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angora, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi and Tanzania, before pouring into Indian Ocean.
Zamlin: Isn't it difficult to protect such a huge area?
Benzi: Yes, it needs very hard work. African countries do not have enough experience of mutual cooperation, there is much poverty among rural communities and many countries are facing civil wars. There is unplanned development due to population growth and poaching of wild animals is a continuous problem because people are so poor.
Zamlin: I wonder if there is some good strategy for such situation?
Benzi: Since it is vital to obtain the cooperation of 8 countries, The Zambezi Society is promoting a Zambezi Convention to try to pursuade governments to undertake the development of the whole basin in a co-ordinated, planned manner. Since the most effective way of preventing poaching in National Parks is patrols by rangers, the Zambezi Society's UK fund-raising branch (established in 1993) has developed a unique programme.
Zamlin: Is that the Adopt-a-Scout programme?
Benzi: Yes, several organizations have been developing adopt-animals programmes for giraffes and elephants and so on. But the idea of adopting a Zambezi Valley anti-poaching scout is a new idea promoted only by the Zambezi Society UK.
Zamlin: Sounds interesting. Tell me how I go about adopting a ranger.
Benzi: Wildlife Volunteering Fund (WVF) is assisting the Zambezi Society UK to raise funds in Japan. You just need to send 6,000 yen per ranger per year to WVF’s account at the Post Office. You will then receive a Zambezi Society pamphlet and your adopted scout’s photo through the post to your home address. Newsletters are also regularly mailed. These rangers work in very difficult conditions. The climate of the Zambezi Valley is very hot and fighting poachers can be very dangerous. But they are dedicated and physically very fit.
Zamlin: I think it may be interesting to adopt an adult ranger.
An Adopted Scout
Benzi: With the adoption fee sent from the adopters, necessary equipment and items are purchased by the Zambezi Society for scouts and delivered to them. All the money is very well accounted for.
Zamlin: Can I write to my scout?
Benzi: Yes, you can, if you write and send English letters by yourself. I heard WVF would help you translate your letters into English. But you may not always be able to receive the replies since the scouts are busy patrolling in very remote field stations. Moreover some of the scouts cannot read nor write. However even if you do not receive a reply, it is certain that your letters will boost their spirits.
Zamlin: How often do the newsletters arrive?
Benzi: About 4 times a year, and they have very interesting news. Once you start reading them, you realize how difficult these conservation activities are: e.g. harsh conditions with very low pay, friction with other conservation groups; power struggles between government and the private sector etc. The Zambezi Society is facing many struggles to achieve its aims. I am sure their newsletters will be very informative for people who are going to assertively work on conservation activities.
Zamlin: Can I go to see my scout?
Benzi: Sadly, it seems that Zimbabwe is not very safe for foreigners at the moment. We hope that the situation will improve in the future, but at the moment it is too risky.
Zamlin: Well, I am very interested in the Adopt-a-Scout program. Do you know the account no. of WVF?
Benzi: The account no. is 00130-5-416262 and the account name is Wildlife Volunteering Fund. It is a small contribution, but the donation is the most effective way to join these conservation activities. It has been said that the 20th Century was an era of mass extinction. How many species have already disappeared so far and how many will survive past the 21st Century? The continued existence of wild animals, plants and birds is critical to the web of life. Without this web of nature, Mankindwill disappear too "Protecting natural life means protecting the future of human beings and our planet" In order to spread this message, to everyone, I want to develop Adopt-a-Scout activities in Japan.
Victoria Falls
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Please contact Sally Wynn
PR/Information Officer
The Zambezi Society
The Zambezi Society e-mail address is now: zambezi@mweb.co.zw
and the website is: http:// www.zamsoc.org
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