6 May 2023
Kagem renews its commitment to Zambia’s wildlife
Kagem Mining proudly announced, in April, that it has extended its partnership with the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) for a further five years, with a new round of funding.
This gesture highlights the importance that the Lufwanyama-based emerald mine places on supporting the wildlife-based economy and conservation efforts in Zambia. Kagem is believed to be the world’s single largest-producing emerald mine and has enjoyed a record year of auction sales. Off the back of this, it is more determined than ever to support its host country, Zambia.
– Improving the lives of local people and protecting native habitats are at the heart of what Kagem does – values it shares with its parent company and majority owner, Gemfields. The new round of funding for the ZCP amounts to USD 250,000 and follows on from the company’s previous three-year commitment of USD 150,000, which was spent from 2018-2020.
The ZCP is one of Africa’s largest and longest running carnivore protection programmes, with headquarters in South Luangwa, a key biodiversity area. It studies large carnivores and addresses threats to them and their ecosystems, to ensure their survival, which is critical to both jobs and the tourism industry in Zambia. It operates in national parks and game management areas across Zambia: “a model of field-based conservation work”, in the words of Matt Becker, CEO of the ZCP.
Kagem’s contribution will enable the ZCP to continue its vital ongoing work: supporting field teams and operations to ensure sustainable economic development through wildlife tourism; achieving gender balance in the traditionally male-dominated industry (with specific funds allocated for the ZCP’s Women in Wildlife Conservation Training Programme); and safeguarding biodiversity in this special part of the world, renowned for its wildlife.
Summing up the importance of the partnership between Kagem and the ZCP, Matt Becker says: “Receiving five years of support from Kagem Mining is invaluable in enabling us to focus on achieving the diverse and ambitious work required to meet our conservation objectives. Collectively, this long-term collaboration and Kagem’s support helps ensure people benefit from conservation.”
Edward Johnson, Gemfields’ Corporate Responsibility Director, says: “The wildlife economy has proven itself resilient and capable of allowing people to make a living, even in turbulent economic times. This, along with the moral prerogative to protect amazing wildlife species and preserve biodiversity in this Key Biodiversity Area, make the ZCP a project very worthy of our support. We are proud to renew our partnership with the ZCP and commend them on their excellent work to date.”