Jamestone Smion Kamwendo: Project Update: August 2008

Traditional dances performed by local women to take environmental messages to the communities.

In a move to sensitize and create awareness in the communities on the hazards of wanton tree cutting and wildlife poaching, the project team from 7-18th July and 4th -15th August 2008 has been conducting sensitisation meetings, awareness campaigns and public lectures around the project site. The campaigns have been in the form of traditional dances and poem recitals (see photo) all bearing environmental themes. Another importance communication tool that has been employed to inform and sensitise the communities and stakeholders about the project and its goal is the electronic media mainly local radio and television in Zambia. The communities after being sensitised on the dangers of deforestation and wildlife poaching, they indicated willingness to participate in the project and the impact has been that many people especially women are taking part in disseminating awareness messages to the communities on the importance and management of nature and environmental protection.