Edwin Matutu

Edwin Matutu began his conservation career in 2004 as an Escort Scout in South Luangwa National Park. After a few months, he trained as a Wildlife Police Officer in North Luangwa and was posted to Luapula Province, later serving in Bangweulu Game Management Area (GMA). 

In 2007, he was transferred to Mpelembe Camp in Serenje District, where his leadership potential was recognized. He led patrols in Kasanka and Bangweulu GMAs and was later reassigned to Bwalya Mponda to head patrol operations. 

By 2009, Edwin was appointed Second-in-Command at Kopa Camp in Mpika District, working alongside notable colleagues like Vorster Mweene. He gained a reputation for tackling poaching in challenging areas. In 2010, he became an assistant training instructor under Chief Instructor Brian Harris and later trained at Chunga Wildlife College in 2015. 

Supported by African Parks, Edwin pursued further studies at the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC), completing courses in Conservation Implementation, Management, and Leadership. In 2018, he earned an advanced qualification in Transfrontier Conservation Wildlife Management. 

Promoted to Senior Wildlife Police Officer in 2020, Edwin was tasked with curbing poaching in Bangweulu GMA. By 2022, he became Park Ranger and now serves as Senior Ranger for the Bangweulu Area Management Unit. 

With 20 years of experience in Bangweulu, Edwin is highly skilled in anti-poaching and deeply familiar with the region. He credits his success to the mentorship of various supervisors and highlights his impactful leadership in Kopa, where wildlife recovery led to the reopening of Kayeshi Camp.