What are the challenges to conservation in Zambia
More than 60 per cent of Zambia’s population lives rurally, relying directly on the land for their livelihood. Poverty and demand for ivory drive frequent elephant poaching in South Luangwa, while snares set for antelope and warthog also catch hyenas, wild dogs and lions. Habitat loss from agriculture and human encroachment adds further pressure. Environmental education is rarely prioritised in schools, and many children living only a few kilometres from the park have never set foot inside it, encountering wildlife only through conflict with elephants or baboons rather than through understanding of its value.
Chipembele’s approach
Chipembele’s education hub sits on the grounds of Mfuwe Secondary School, with a classroom, resource room, botanical garden and computer room. Students take part in litter collection, field trips with the Zambian Carnivore Program, and a three-day camping expedition called Nature Nights that builds leadership and teamwork. A gender awareness programme runs through the Senior and Junior Conservation Clubs, encouraging students to recognise and respect equal rights regardless of gender.
Beyond the classroom, four Community Conservation Educators run regular sessions with village groups, farming co-operatives, women’s clubs and youth groups on topics from sustainable livelihoods to human-wildlife conflict, alongside a weekly radio show, Conservation Hour, where community members phone in with questions on fisheries, biodiversity and agriculture.
For school leavers, the Aspiring Conservation Leaders programme bridges the gap into conservation careers, combining fieldwork, training and a career development trip to Lusaka, where students meet conservation NGOs and visit universities.
"Chipembele's mission is to teach Zambian children and communities the value of wildlife and their environment so they may be conserved for present and future generations."
Major achievements
For more than 20 years, Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust has educated and empowered children across the Luangwa Valley through its conservation clubs and ‘Community in Nature’ outdoor programmes. Many former participants now hold key roles across Zambia’s conservation sector, including as NGO managers, wildlife researchers, biologists, wildlife filmmakers, safari guides and environmental educators.
How The Explorations Company is supporting them
We are proud to support Chipembele’s work in 2026 contributing $6,500, which funds conservation education through Habitat Clubs, school outreach, educator support and teaching materials; expands the Habitat Library with textbooks and reading resources for rural learners; and provides hands-on learning at the Conservation Centre, covering wildlife conservation, climate change and environmental education.
How can you engage with Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust on your holiday?
Guests can spend time with Chipembele’s students at the Conservation Centre, taking part in activities such as a natural history treasure hunt, a quiz in the Discovery Room, poster making and word games. There is also the opportunity to share your own profession with students or lead a short session on a conservation theme that interests you. The programme is open to all ages.
