|
 RATZ In The Bush
During a recent
visit to the
Luangwa
Valley, I bought, at one of the shops at the Airport, a CD
containing bush sounds recorded in the Luangwa Valley, from the
Carmine Bee-eater to Burchell’s Zebra to an elephant’s rumbling.
The CD was
produced by Craig Madden, an Australian, who spent six years working
in the
Luangwa
Valley.
Four years ago, after realising he was only capturing part of the
experience of this unique place with his photography, he spent a
season recording all of the wonderful sounds that give the safari
experience its unique atmosphere. This was also Craig’s way of
putting something back into the area that had given him so much.
After recording
the sounds that he wanted, he then edited and produced the CD using
these recordings, at his own expense. The final version was
mastered professionally by Chris Hudec at Digital Sunspot in
Canada. Originally
the CD was professionally reproduced in Australia by Troy Horse
Studios, but in the last few years he has also reproduced the CD
with Mondo Music in Zambia and a company in New York.
 The
CD is mainly sold in the Luangwa Valley through the Lodges and gift
shops in the area, specifically to raise money for wildlife
conservation, although Craig funds and supplies the CDs personally
and is solely responsible for financing the project from conception
to this, its third year. At the end of each safari season, he is
reimbursed for his costs if there are sufficient funds left over to
do this. His goal is to make the project completely self funding and
self sustaining
The proceeds
from the sales of the CD go directly to the Honorary Rangers in
Mfuwe, specifically to help fund their anti-poaching patrols,
previously called RATZ, (Rapid Action Team), but recently renamed
South Luangwa Conservation Society (SLCS), although I prefer the
name RATZ. The Honorary Rangers and the RATZ are a grassroots local
project, with many, many people in the area and abroad donating
their time and money.
The Honorary
Rangers system in Zambia has historically supported the formal
National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), now the Zambia Wildlife
Authority (ZAWA). In 1997 ZAWA began its transition from a fully
funded government body to a para-statal organization accompanied by
the attendant internal problems and upheaval. With increasing
poaching and snaring becoming a significant problem, concerned
safari and tour operators and lodge owners saw a need to complement
and supplement the work being done by ZAWA. They agreed to fund a
body of people who could respond quickly to poaching incidents since
ZAWA was unable to supply the manpower or logistical support. The
Honorary Rangers Rapid Action Team Mfuwe Command was formed.
Originally nicknamed Ratz, the unit combats poaching in all forms,
from elephant poaching for ivory to wire snaring for meat and
illegal fishing and transportation of animal products. Working with
and under the regulations of ZAWA, regular patrols are conducted
within the National Park and surrounding GMA'S.
In July 2003, it
was seen necessary to somehow incorporate the RATZ Unit within ZAWA,
in order to formalise the operation and also to ensure that the
scouts are covered by the ZAWA act should any unforeseen incidents
occur. After many discussions, the Ratz Unit has now become the
South Luangwa Conservation Society and has signed an MOU with the
Kakumbi Community Resource Board. The former Ratz scouts have now
become Village Scouts and operate under the auspices of ZAWA.
The South Luangwa
Conservation Society employs seventeen scouts at present and are
looking to employ another seven in the near future bringing the
number to twenty four. The operation is run by a Chief Executive
Officer (Rachel McRobb), an operations manager and a Unit Leader.
SLCS scouts are
all from local communities. Most of the individuals employed are
former wildlife personnel, former scouts or community based officers
who were retrenched during the transition phase. They receive
monthly salaries, bonuses and housing for themselves and their
immediate families.
The SLCS is
sponsored on a monthly basis by Norman Carr Safaris, Robin Pope
Safaris, Mfuwe Lodge, Chichele Lodge, Flatdogs and Tribal Textiles,
all operators in Luangwa Valley. Other camps and lodges donate from
time to time and the money raised from this just covers salaries and
daily operating costs.
 Other major
funding has been received from a David Shepherd fundraising event
held in Luangwa, The Whitley Laing Foundation in London and Trade +
Aid. This money has enabled them to purchase two vehicles, radio
equipment, uniforms, GPS and a boat. At present, they are trying to
source other funds for building a base for the scouts and to
purchase a new vehicle and more equipment.
Taking a look at
the statistics, RATZ or SLCS are certainly making an impact – 74
snares removed, 25 pieces of ivory recovered, 14 poachers
apprehended, 7 firearms confiscated in a few months in 2003.
Back in Lusaka,
sitting out on my verandah in the cool evenings and listening to
Craig’s CD, one is immediately transported back to a few wonderful
days spent in the Luangwa Valley. But more importantly, knowing
that the purchase of this CD gone towards helping a worthwhile and
valuable project.
|
May 2004