I truly appreciate your kind words. This is actually the first time I’m hearing about the Conservation Catalyst Programme, and I’m really grateful you brought it to my attention. It sounds like an amazing opportunity to share more stories from Zambia and connect local voices to a global platform. I’ll definitely look into it

One of the biggest barriers youth face in Zambia when leading conservation initiatives is limited access to funding, mentorship, and platforms to scale their ideas. Many young people are passionate and active on the groud, but without institutional support or visibility, their work often goes unnotced or unsustained. And i feel that, communities like Wildhub can help bridge this gap by offering knwledge exchange, mentorship, and collaborative spaces where young changemakers feel supported and seen.

As for traditional ecological knowledge, its a treasure we’re just beginning to truly recognize. In Luapula, for instance, elders have long observed seasonal bird migrations, rainfall patterns, and soil behavior to guide planting and harvesting. Practices likr intercropping with native species, preserving sacred groves, or designating community fishing rest periods have protected biodiversity long before modern conservation tools existed. Sadly, much of this wisdom is being lost as fewer youth engage with elders or traditional practices.

I appreciate that. Thank you. it is great to connect with someone who also values conservation education. At MUCCAS, we focus mainly on climate awareness, school outreach, and practical action. One of our core programmes involvs visiting nearby schools to teach students about climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable living often using creative methods like art, storytelling, and music to keep it engaging. We also run tree planting drives, especially in schools and degraded areas, and organize clean up campaigns to promote waste management and recycling on campus. What I love most is how we get to take what we learn in class and apply it directly in our communities.

Thank you so much for the warm welcome, I truly appreciate it. One community led conservation effort that really left an impact on me was a wetland restoration initiative in Mansa, Luapula Province. The project involved local fishers and farmers coming together to protect a small but vital wetland area that had been facing degradation due to overuse and poor land practices. Wht made it powerful was how the community, especially elders, shared their traditional knowledge of the land and water systems which guided decisions on how to restore the area using local species and natural methods.In Kitwe, a more recent example was a tree planting campaign I helped organize through MUCCAS at Mukuba University. We collaboratd with local schools and the council to plant trees in urban spaces, especially in school yardsd that had been bare. It was encouraging to see students get involved and take ownership of the process from digging to learning about why those particular tree species mattered for soil and climate.both experiences showed me how local action, grounded in knowledge and community pride, can make a real difference.

Looking forward to learning from others here as well