Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDCA)

Project Code: 072-522-002	Start Date: 03-Dec-93	End Date: 01-Aug-96
Commitment: £663 290	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
Mpika District is endowed with some of the finest wildlife resources in Africa and the District Council believes that tourism, wildlife conservation and wildlife utilisation could be developed for the benefit of the local population. GRZ policies concerning wildlife management have changed radically over the past few years. It is noew recognised that alienation of local people from their traditional access to wildlife and the areas in which wildlife resides, resulted in antagonism towards Central Government and sympathy towards commercial poaching. Current policies are to involve local people in the management and conservation of wildlife and allow them to reap some of the benefits. There are clear indications from other parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe that local attitudes to wildlife are becoming more positive in those areas were wildlife utilisation is recognised as a valid land use option. In this context the Mpika District Council request DFID to fund a study of the tourism potential of the District. The study was undertaken by MASDAR (UK) in 1989 and the report published in early 1990. The report confirmed the value of the wildlife resource and the potential for high cost/low volume tourism and went on to make a series of recommendations for funding projects that should be worked up in a phase II study. DFIDSA was concerned that no logical institutional base for the projects existed and furthermore it was difficult to see how the individual projects fitted into a sector development programme. The proposed phase II study was not funded. Instead DFIDSA held discussions with the Council and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and agreed the need for a long term strategic plan for the development of tourism, wildlife conservation and wildlife utilisation. In April 1991 GRZ formally requested DFID funding to formulate a strategic plan for wildlife/tourism development in Mpika and assistance in the initial implementation of the plans recommendations. Consideration of this request held up in 1991. In January 1992 the Ministry of Tourism. who are the parent Ministry of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Services, confirmed that the MMD Government was keen to develop tourism in Mpika and confirmed the earlier request made.

Project Objectives:
Conservation of biodiversity in Mpika District by increasing revenue from tourism and wildlife utilisation, ensuring that local institutions and communities benefit from increased resources.

Intended Outputs:
Long term Strategic Plan for tourism and Wildlife Development In Mpika District accepted by public and private sector and donors. Bankable Project documents for public and private sector investment. Fully operational District Tourism Planning Authority. Local Communities, District and Government staff trained in tourism and wildlife development. Mechanisms in place to distribute proportion of tourism/wildlife revenue to local communities. Improved tourist facilities in the District. Improved wildlife conservation measures in the parks and game management areas in the District.