168 Conservation Trainees Commissioned at Chunga Wildlife Training School.

Government of the Republic of Zambia has commissioned 168 conservation trainees at Chunga Wildlife Training School, located within Kafue National Park.

Western Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Mwakoi Njekwa (Mr), stated that the cohort includes 54 Honorary Forestry Officers, 10 Forest Range Guards, and 105 Community Scouts.

Mr. Njekwa explained that the commissioning was conducted during the 27th Combined Graduation Ceremony, officiated by the Western Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Simomo Akapelwa.

He notes that this graduation marks a historic milestone, producing the first group of Honorary Forestry Officers and Forest Range Guards specifically trained for deployment in the Western Province.

Mr. Njekwa says during his keynote address, Mr. Akapelwa congratulated the graduates for their accomplishment and urged them to serve with professionalism, commitment, and a strong sense of responsibility.

He further emphasized that the new officers are expected to be champions of conservation, with their conduct and dedication being critical to the protection of forests, wildlife, and the environment at large.

Mr. Njekwa attributed the success of the program to partnerships with conservation stakeholders such as African Parks, Panthera Zambia, Mushingashi Conservancy, and Biocarbon Partners, who continue to assist government efforts toward environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to empowering local communities and strengthening frontline conservation through capacity-building and enhanced collaboration across various agencies.