Partners

The Zambian DNPW works to protect and conserve Zambia’s wildlife estates and to improve the quality of life among communities and maintain sustainable biodiversity. We began our work with the DNPW in Liuwa Plain National Park in 2003 and in the Bangweulu Wetlands in 2008. Dr Chuma Simukonda is the current Director.

The BRE is recognised by the Zambian Government as an official administrative entity in the Barotseland region and, as such, is an essential partner in the Liuwa Plain project. His Majesty Lubosi Imwiko II and the Limulunga Kuta (Parliament) played an instrumental role in convincing the Zambian Government to conclude an agreement with African Parks in 2003 and have maintained an active role in guiding the project through the participation of two BRE representatives on the Liuwa Board.

Stichting Natura Africae is a charitable foundation established by Jan Verhagen, a Dutch entrepreneur, in 2017. Natura Africae is dedicated to the conservation of national parks and protected areas in Africa, and recognises the reciprocal relationship between the livelihoods of local communities and the successful protection of an ecosystem’s wildlife. The foundation provided €4 million in 2020, continuing its long-term commitment to Liuwa Plain National Park and the Bangweulu Wetlands. It also supported community and research project in Odzala-Kokoua, and the start of operations in Iona National Park, Angola.

World Wilidlife Fund (WWF) collaborates with local communities to conserve natural resources and build a future in which people and nature thrive. WWF works with partners at all levels to transform markets and policies toward sustainability, tackle the threats driving the climate crisis, and protect and restore wildlife and habitats. WWF has been collaborating with Odzala-Kokoua and WCS to reduce illegal wildlife exploitation and maximise benefits of wildlife corridors between Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki and Ntokou-Pikounda national parks.

The U.S. Department of State, through both the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Bureau of African Affairs (AF), advances good governance and peace and security, pre-requisites for sustainable economic development and protection of natural resources. They began providing support in 2018 and have committed over US$3 million for ranger uniforms, equipment and training for African Parks teams operating in Chad, Central African Republic, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo and Zambia. They have also supported leadership development and core training infrastructure, all of which leads to enhanced capacity to disrupt illegal wildlife trade and promote regional stability.

The mission of the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation is to elevate people, planet, and purpose by changing what people feel is possible and know is doable. The Rob and Melani Walton Foundation seeks partners who focus on the essential and interconnected elements of sustaining life, advancing all forms of knowledge, promoting understanding of healing, and increasing the sustainability of people and our planet. The Waltons have been invaluable partners to African Parks since 2003, providing support to safeguard the long-term survival of parks and wildlife across the continent. They supported the reintroduction of species such as lions and black rhinos to Akagera National Park, the development of evidence-based performance metrics, and our close collaboration with governments and communities to identify and share best practices.