Benson Kanyembo, the Law Enforcement Advisor for Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), stands as a symbol of dedication, leadership, and resilience in the fight to protect Zambia’s wildlife. His remarkable journey from a village scout to a globally recognized conservation leader is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of hard work, commitment, and international recognition, including from the Tusk Conservation Awards.
Tusk is an international charity that partners with over 60 Africa-based and African-led conservation organizations across 23 countries. Kanyembo’s story of perseverance and passion has made a significant impact on conservation in Zambia and beyond.
Rising Through the Ranks
Starting his career as a carrier, Kanyembo gradually worked his way up to become head ranger at CSL, where he now oversees 117 community-supported rangers. His leadership has spearheaded innovative initiatives to combat poaching and human-wildlife conflict in South Luangwa.
At 54 years old, Kanyembo’s influence extends beyond CSL. He is the chairperson of the Zambian chapter of the Game Rangers Association of Africa and a representative for rangers at international conservation forums. His commitment and efforts have earned him multiple awards and honors, solidifying his role as a leading conservationist.
Prestigious Recognition
In 2019, Kanyembo became only the second Zambian to win the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. The following year, he secured two prestigious awards—the African Ranger Award, sponsored by the Alibaba Foundation and Paradise Foundation, and first runner-up for Best Game Ranger at the Rhino Conservation Awards.
Reflecting on these achievements, Kanyembo emphasizes the importance of dedication regardless of one’s background. “It was an honour to win—I think it has helped a lot of people to see that regardless of your background and where you’ve come from, people will still look at your work and recognize what you are doing,” he says. With 31 years in resource protection, his contributions continue to inspire many.
Conservation South Luangwa’s Impact
Kanyembo and his team at CSL are committed to preserving the biodiversity and natural heritage of Zambia’s South Luangwa region. CSL operates as a key partner to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions, working together to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.
CSL rangers conduct patrols to monitor wildlife, carry out anti-poaching operations, and help restore habitats. The organization also actively engages local communities through education, capacity building, and sustainable tourism initiatives. By empowering communities to be stewards of Zambia’s environment, CSL fosters improved livelihoods and resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change.
Human-Wildlife Coexistence and the Rapid Response Unit
One of Kanyembo’s proudest achievements is the establishment of the South Luangwa Rapid Response Unit (RRU), a team dedicated to addressing human-wildlife conflict. Comprising community scouts and government wildlife officers, the RRU operates a 24/7 hotline for locals to report incidents such as elephant raids and crocodile attacks.
“At CSL, we work hand in hand with the community, demonstrating practical approaches to mitigate human-wildlife conflict,” Kanyembo explains. Some of these innovative solutions include using smelly fences made from petrol, onion, garlic, and rotten eggs to repel elephants, installing polywire solar fences, and planting chillis as a deterrent.
A Call to Collective Action
Kanyembo strongly believes that conservation is a shared responsibility. “Protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility,” he states. “People know that we scouts can’t be everywhere, so instead of expecting us to do everything, we urge everyone to stand up and contribute actively to conservation.”
His words echo the need for collaboration and commitment from all sectors of society to ensure the survival of Zambia’s rich biodiversity. With leaders like Kanyembo at the helm, the future of conservation in Zambia remains bright, demonstrating that dedication and community-driven efforts can make a lasting impact on wildlife protection.