Across Bangweulu Wetland’s floodplains, swamps and fisheries, communities have lived alongside wildlife for generations, their knowledge, livelihoods and future closely connected to the health of the wetland.
Five films were created during a storytelling workshop hosted in Bangweulu through a partnership between Bangweulu Wetlands, The Wilderness Project and the African School of Storytelling (AFRISOS), together with Zambia's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and Community Resource Boards representing the six Chiefdoms.
Part of a broader collaboration supporting freshwater conservation, biodiversity research and African storytelling, the workshop brought together emerging storytellers to learn, collaborate and tell stories that are locally grounded, authentic and rooted in lived experience.
The result is a collection of deeply personal films. Five members of the Bangweulu community share their lives, their connection to the wetlands and the opportunities conservation has created.
Isubilo by Luke Katemba
Meet Silimu Daniel, a youth health volunteer whose personal experience with malaria inspired him to serve his community.
‘Ubukabilo’ by Eric Cajada
Follow Mupanga Mwewa, who left a future in the fisheries after discovering a new purpose through Bangweulu's shoebills.
‘Webby Wabantu’ by Ronald Muhirwa
Hear from Webby Wabantu, a lifelong fisherman whose passion for the wetlands has helped champion more sustainable fishing practices for future generations.
‘Omukuku’ by Jonathan Benaiah
Join Morgan Malama, who chose to remain in Bangweulu, finding purpose in the place he has always called home.
Together, these films offer a personal perspective on a wetland where conservation is not separate from everyday life, but part of the communities, traditions and aspirations that continue to sustain it.
For more on the project, watch the behind-the-scenes film.