Disaster Risk Reduction & Management

Building resilience in Zambian communities through preparedness, response, and recovery

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Environmental Challenges in Zambia

Zambia faces increasing environmental threats that endanger ecosystems, wildlife and human communities. OWNCA's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program works with vulnerable communities to enhance their resilience through sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

Our approach integrates traditional knowledge with modern technology to create context-specific solutions that protect both people and wildlife. By focusing on prevention and community empowerment, we're building a safer, more resilient Zambia.

"In Zambia, environmental degradation is not a distant threat - it's impacting communities right now through droughts, floods, and loss of biodiversity."

Zambia Environmental Hotspots

Deforestation , wildlife corridors and pollution hotspots.

Zambia Environmental Statistics

Understanding the scale of environmental challenges helps us prioritize interventions and allocate resources effectively.

Temperature Rise

1.3°C

Average temperature increase since 1960 in Zambia

Deforestation

276,000 ha

Annual forest loss in Zambia (2010-2020 average)

Water Pollution

42%

Of urban population without access to clean water

Wildlife Decline

60%

Decrease in large mammal populations since 1970

Critical Environmental Focus Areas

OWNCA focuses on these key environmental challenges facing Zambia

Climate Change Impacts

Zambia is experiencing increased climate variability with more frequent droughts and floods. The 2022 drought affected 2.3 million people and reduced hydropower generation by 40%.

Case Study: 2023 Southern Floods

Unprecedented rainfall flooded Southern Province, displacing 45,000 people and destroying crops. OWNCA responded with emergency shelters and flood-resistant agriculture training.

Solution: Climate-Smart Agriculture

Training farmers in drought-resistant crops, water harvesting, and conservation farming to build resilience against climate shocks.

Pollution Control

Mining and urbanization have led to severe pollution in Zambia's waterways. The Kafue River, which supplies water to 40% of Zambia's population, shows dangerous levels of heavy metals.

Case Study: Copperbelt Pollution

Mining activities have contaminated soil and water with heavy metals affecting 500,000 residents. OWNCA implemented bioremediation using native plants to absorb toxins.

Solution: Community Monitoring

Training local communities to test water quality and report violations to authorities for enforcement.

Deforestation Crisis

Zambia has one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa, losing over 276,000 hectares annually. This destruction threatens biodiversity, water sources, and climate stability.

Case Study: Miombo Woodlands

Charcoal production has destroyed 35% of Zambia's Miombo woodlands. OWNCA introduced efficient stoves that reduce charcoal use by 60%.

Solution: Agroforestry

Promoting tree planting with crops to restore forest cover while supporting livelihoods.

Wildlife Conservation

Zambia's iconic wildlife faces threats from habitat loss and poaching. Elephant populations have declined by 30% in the last decade, and 15 bird species are critically endangered.

Case Study: Kafue National Park

Human-wildlife conflict increased by 70% as habitats shrank. OWNCA established wildlife corridors and community ranger programs.

Solution: Community Conservancies

Creating protected areas managed by local communities that benefit from ecotourism revenue.

OWNCA's Integrated Approach

Our comprehensive strategy addresses environmental challenges through prevention, protection, and sustainable development.

Community Empowerment

Training local communities as environmental stewards and disaster responders.

  • Environmental monitoring networks
  • Disaster response training
  • Sustainable livelihood programs

Ecosystem Restoration

Rehabilitating degraded lands and protecting critical habitats.

  • Reforestation initiatives
  • Wetland conservation
  • Wildlife corridor establishment

Innovative Solutions

Developing and implementing cutting-edge environmental technologies.

  • Solar-powered water purification
  • Bioremediation techniques
  • Early warning systems

Policy Advocacy

Influencing environmental policies and regulations at all levels.

  • Strengthening environmental laws
  • Promoting sustainable mining
  • Climate change adaptation planning

Zambia's Endangered Wildlife

Protecting Zambia's iconic species through conservation and community engagement

African Elephant
Endangered

African Elephant

Population declined by 30% in last decade due to poaching and habitat loss

African Lion
Vulnerable

African Lion

Only 1,200 remain in Zambia - 50% decline since 1990s

shoebill Stork
Critically Endangered

Shoebill Stork

Only 200 breeding pairs remain in Bangweulu Wetlands

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