{"id":1121,"date":"2025-04-23T15:58:30","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T15:58:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/?p=1121"},"modified":"2026-02-23T15:57:41","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T15:57:41","slug":"on-the-edge-of-the-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/stories\/on-the-edge-of-the-law\/","title":{"rendered":"On the Edge of the Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1121\" class=\"elementor elementor-1121\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-080a223 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"080a223\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5474ea7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5474ea7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">On the Edge of the Law - Zambia\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1123d54 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1123d54\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"autorestoria\">by Luca Catalano Gonzaga<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b84d1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2b84d1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"postbox\"><div class=\"expcont\"><div class=\"postbox\"><div class=\"expcont\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>In Zambia\u2019s Kafue National Park<\/strong>, conservation is enforced across <strong>land and water<\/strong>. While elephants and other species remain targets of <strong>terrestrial poaching, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi<\/strong> has become another frontline. Illegal fishing networks operate along its shores, using the lake both as a livelihood and as a corridor into protected territory. Thousands are estimated to engage in illicit activities within and around the park, driven by poverty, limited economic alternatives, and organized trafficking systems. In response, <strong>specialized ranger units<\/strong> patrol day and night, moving between savannah and shoreline. Armed and trained, they dismantle fishing nets, intercept boats, arrest offenders, and monitor remote areas through coordinated control systems. Yet enforcement unfolds along fragile boundaries. Many of those detained are not distant criminals but men seeking income in regions where survival options are scarce. The same waters that sustain wildlife sustain families. The same land that shelters elephants feeds surrounding communities. Rangers themselves operate under <strong>constant pressure<\/strong>. Their work demands physical endurance, vigilance, and exposure to risk. Behind the discipline and weapons lies another reality: long patrols, isolation, modest living conditions, and the weight of responsibility in landscapes where <strong>law and livelihood collide<\/strong>. In Kafue, conservation is not a static ideal but a <strong>continuous negotiation<\/strong>. The defense of biodiversity depends not only on surveillance and force, but on addressing the <strong>economic fragility<\/strong> that drives illegal activity. <strong>Wildlife protection and human survival remain inseparably intertwined<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-093cb5f e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"093cb5f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23675cc elementor-arrows-position-outside elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-carousel\" data-id=\"23675cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;slides_to_show&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;arrows&quot;,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;effect&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;speed&quot;:500}\" data-widget_type=\"image-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel-wrapper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Carosello d&#039;immagini\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel swiper-wrapper swiper-image-stretch\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_01.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Rallying of the Rangers, where orders are given on anti-poaching patrols. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, it is estimated that between 4,000 and 6,000 poachers are operating in Kafue National Park, threatening fauna and flora, and, consequently, the tourism industry.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Rallying of the Rangers, where orders are given on anti-poaching patrols. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, it is estimated that between 4,000 and 6,000 poachers are operating in Kafue National Park, threatening fauna and flora, and, consequently, the tourism industry.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_02-1.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Distribution of ammunitions before departure from the \u201cGame Rangers International\u201d camp, for anti-poaching patrols.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Distribution of ammunitions before departure from the \u201cGame Rangers International\u201d camp, for anti-poaching patrols.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"3 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_03.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Distribution of rounds of ammo, before patrolling by a team of the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU).\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Distribution of rounds of ammo, before patrolling by a team of the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"4 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_04.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Rangers prepare for departure with dedicated vehicles. The Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU) was established as an intelligence led, rapid response unit, with the possibility to intervene everywhere and with the aim to identify the threats to wildlife in Zambia.  The unit aims to directly target wildlife crimes in order to disrupt poaching and trafficking networks. SAPU has an embedded intelligence unit in order to identify the threats to Zambia\u2019s wildlife.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Rangers prepare for departure with dedicated vehicles. The Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU) was established as an intelligence led, rapid response unit, with the possibility to intervene everywhere and with the aim to identify the threats to wildlife in Zambia.  The unit aims to directly target wildlife crimes in order to disrupt poaching and trafficking networks. SAPU has an embedded intelligence unit in order to identify the threats to Zambia\u2019s wildlife.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"5 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_05.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Departure for patrol activities of a special anti-poaching unit (SAPU).\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Departure for patrol activities of a special anti-poaching unit (SAPU).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"6 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_06.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Departure for anti-poaching patrol activities. The Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU) was established to providing rapid response to versus wildlife crimes in and around Kafue National Park.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Departure for anti-poaching patrol activities. The Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU) was established to providing rapid response to versus wildlife crimes in and around Kafue National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"7 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_07.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Ranger leaving for an anti-poaching mission, which will last a week in the Kafue National Park.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Ranger leaving for an anti-poaching mission, which will last a week in the Kafue National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"8 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_08.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Preparation for a patrol exercise.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Preparation for a patrol exercise.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"9 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_09.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Distribution of ammunition to be distributed to rangers before an anti-poaching mission.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Distribution of ammunition to be distributed to rangers before an anti-poaching mission.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"10 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_10.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Breakfast at the first light of dawn, inside the &quot;Game Rangers International&quot; Camp.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Breakfast at the first light of dawn, inside the \"Game Rangers International\" Camp.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"11 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_11.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of an illegal fishing boat. Lake Itezhi Tezhi was formed in the 1970s and covers an area of some 37,000 hectares. Its formation after the dam was built caused a gold rush, or rather a fish rush, creating livelihoods for those communities living around the lake, especially in Itezhi Tezhi town itself which is almost entirely supported by the fishing in the lake.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of an illegal fishing boat. Lake Itezhi Tezhi was formed in the 1970s and covers an area of some 37,000 hectares. Its formation after the dam was built caused a gold rush, or rather a fish rush, creating livelihoods for those communities living around the lake, especially in Itezhi Tezhi town itself which is almost entirely supported by the fishing in the lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"12 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_12.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fisherman stopped by rangers for illegal night fishing in protected park areas.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fisherman stopped by rangers for illegal night fishing in protected park areas.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"13 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_13.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of illegal night fishing equipment in protected park areas. Bordering Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi covers an area of approximately 37,000 hectares. On a yearly basis, over 800 fishermen use the lake each year for fishing.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of illegal night fishing equipment in protected park areas. Bordering Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi covers an area of approximately 37,000 hectares. On a yearly basis, over 800 fishermen use the lake each year for fishing.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"14 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_14.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of illegal night fishing equipment.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of illegal night fishing equipment.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"15 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_15.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Identification of an illegal fisherman before taking him to the local police station, where he will be placed in custody in jail.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Identification of an illegal fisherman before taking him to the local police station, where he will be placed in custody in jail.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"16 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_18.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Illegal fishermen waiting to be taken to Ngoma wildlife offices where they will be interrogated and jailed.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Illegal fishermen waiting to be taken to Ngoma wildlife offices where they will be interrogated and jailed.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"17 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_16.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of the catch by the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU). Illegal fishing is leading to the loss of larger, most valuable fish species, and involves more and more use of environmentally dangerous fishing gears.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of the catch by the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU). Illegal fishing is leading to the loss of larger, most valuable fish species, and involves more and more use of environmentally dangerous fishing gears.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"18 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_17.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of the catch by the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU).\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of the catch by the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"19 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_20.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of nets used illegally at night by some fishing boats.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of nets used illegally at night by some fishing boats.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"20 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_19.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. The seized boat is towed to the \u201cGame Rangers International\u201d Camp.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. The seized boat is towed to the \u201cGame Rangers International\u201d Camp.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"21 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_21.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Evelyn muzhiwo, Control room operator. In the last few years, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia launched on a project called Kafue National Park Connected Conservation (KNP CCP) \u2013 a project  that integrates the internet and cutting-edge computing with a virtual fence of networked thermal imaging cameras across the key trafficking routes of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Evelyn muzhiwo, Control room operator. In the last few years, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia launched on a project called Kafue National Park Connected Conservation (KNP CCP) \u2013 a project  that integrates the internet and cutting-edge computing with a virtual fence of networked thermal imaging cameras across the key trafficking routes of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"22 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_22.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. George Sakala, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. George Sakala, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"23 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_23.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Brian Shumbwamuntu, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Brian Shumbwamuntu, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"24 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_24.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Dennis Shaaia, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Dennis Shaaia, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"25 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_25.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Kingsley Kabanda, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Kingsley Kabanda, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"26 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_26.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Braves Chivwubwe, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Braves Chivwubwe, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"27 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_27.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Kedwin Mudenda, of the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU), at the camp in \u201cFresh Island\u201d.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Kedwin Mudenda, of the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU), at the camp in \u201cFresh Island\u201d.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"28 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_28.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Patrol boat checks fishermen on the lake. Lake Itezhi Tezhi, is an especially vulnerable border for the park: poachers move back and forth across the water with legitimate fishers, hiding their weapons under fishing nets.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Patrol boat checks fishermen on the lake. Lake Itezhi Tezhi, is an especially vulnerable border for the park: poachers move back and forth across the water with legitimate fishers, hiding their weapons under fishing nets.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"29 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_30.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fishing license check by the Marine Anti-Poaching Unit.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fishing license check by the Marine Anti-Poaching Unit.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"30 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_29.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Warthog fatally wounded by poachers, is hoisted aboard the rangers&#039; patrol boat.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Warthog fatally wounded by poachers, is hoisted aboard the rangers' patrol boat.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"31 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_31.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Patrolling by the shores of the Lake Itezhi-Tezhi. The vast Lake sits on the boundary of the Park, providing convenient access and exit routes into the Park. Thus, poachers, dressed as fishermen, carry snares and firearms into the park undetected among hundreds, if not thousands, of fishermen.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Patrolling by the shores of the Lake Itezhi-Tezhi. The vast Lake sits on the boundary of the Park, providing convenient access and exit routes into the Park. Thus, poachers, dressed as fishermen, carry snares and firearms into the park undetected among hundreds, if not thousands, of fishermen.  <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"32 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_33.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fishing license check by the Marine Anti-Poaching Unit.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fishing license check by the Marine Anti-Poaching Unit.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"33 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_34.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Rangers land on a fishermen&#039;s island to check fishing licenses.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Rangers land on a fishermen's island to check fishing licenses.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"34 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_35.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fishing license check by the Marine Anti-Poaching Unit.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fishing license check by the Marine Anti-Poaching Unit.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"35 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_36.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fishing license check by the Marine Anti-Poaching Unit.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fishing license check by the Marine Anti-Poaching Unit.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"36 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_37.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Portrait of fisherman inside his tent.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Portrait of fisherman inside his tent.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"37 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_38.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Practice of patrolling techniques inside the park.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Practice of patrolling techniques inside the park.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"38 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_39.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Practice of patrolling techniques inside the park.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Practice of patrolling techniques inside the park.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"39 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_40.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Akim Zyuulu, Community Rangers, during a practice of patrolling techniques inside the park.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Akim Zyuulu, Community Rangers, during a practice of patrolling techniques inside the park.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"40 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_41.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Practice of patrolling techniques inside the park.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Practice of patrolling techniques inside the park.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"41 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_42.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Chase of a poacher who had planted animal traps.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Chase of a poacher who had planted animal traps.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"42 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_43.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Capture of a poacher who had planted animal snares. 75% of poachers use military firearms (accessed both legally and illegally), while 13% use snares.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Capture of a poacher who had planted animal snares. 75% of poachers use military firearms (accessed both legally and illegally), while 13% use snares.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"43 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_44.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Dry season fires in the Kafue Park are almost always malicious. The main reasons are: hunting, creating fresh growth for grazers and to clear areas around habitations, to reduce wildlife threats and allow cropping.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Dry season fires in the Kafue Park are almost always malicious. The main reasons are: hunting, creating fresh growth for grazers and to clear areas around habitations, to reduce wildlife threats and allow cropping.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"44 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_45.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Dazilimo Zyambo, member of the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU), at his tent.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Dazilimo Zyambo, member of the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU), at his tent.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"45 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_46.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Physical exercises at the first light of dawn for the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU).\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Physical exercises at the first light of dawn for the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"46 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_47.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. The Kafue National Park is the largest park in Zambia and one of the 10 largest protected areas on the continent. Zambia\u2019s main tourist destination and internationally renowned wildlife sanctuary, it is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas and 21 species of antelope. The Kafue River is home to crocodiles and hippos.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. The Kafue National Park is the largest park in Zambia and one of the 10 largest protected areas on the continent. Zambia\u2019s main tourist destination and internationally renowned wildlife sanctuary, it is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas and 21 species of antelope. The Kafue River is home to crocodiles and hippos. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"47 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_48.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. The Elephant Orphanage is a \u201cGame Rangers International\u2019s primary project with an Elephant Nursery in Kafue National Park. Here, the orphans are gradually reintegrated back into the wild.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. The Elephant Orphanage is a \u201cGame Rangers International\u2019s primary project with an Elephant Nursery in Kafue National Park. Here, the orphans are gradually reintegrated back into the wild.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"48 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_49.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. The Kafue National Park (KNP) has the second largest population of wild elephants in Zambia. However, it has limited human and financial resources to provide adequate monitoring across a vast wildlife landscape of approximately 22,000 km2. As a result, the park faces great challenges from poachers\u2019 side who trade ivory and wildlife illegally.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. The Kafue National Park (KNP) has the second largest population of wild elephants in Zambia. However, it has limited human and financial resources to provide adequate monitoring across a vast wildlife landscape of approximately 22,000 km2. As a result, the park faces great challenges from poachers\u2019 side who trade ivory and wildlife illegally.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"49 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_50.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. The forest has the potential to drive more traditional and sustainable income opportunities, such as honey production, in order to improve the conditions of extreme poverty of the communities that live in the area surrounding the park. The honey industry in Zambia is growing exponentially, with the North-Western Province holding the potential to host an estimated 500,000 hives \u2013 enough to produce 25,000 tons of honey per annum. Currently, less than 1 percent of this capacity is met.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. The forest has the potential to drive more traditional and sustainable income opportunities, such as honey production, in order to improve the conditions of extreme poverty of the communities that live in the area surrounding the park. The honey industry in Zambia is growing exponentially, with the North-Western Province holding the potential to host an estimated 500,000 hives \u2013 enough to produce 25,000 tons of honey per annum. Currently, less than 1 percent of this capacity is met.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"50 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_51.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. Head of a few communities. For rural communities residing near the National Park  poaching has long been a part of their livelihood just as charcoal burning, a practice that depletes forests.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. Head of a few communities. For rural communities residing near the National Park  poaching has long been a part of their livelihood just as charcoal burning, a practice that depletes forests.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"51 di 51\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LCG_Zambia_52.jpg\" alt=\"Kafue National Park, Zambia. About fifty percent of the population in the area surrounding the park lives in extreme poverty. With few job opportunities, local communities depend on the forest for food, fuel and income. This combination of needs is driving deforestation, largely through deforestation for new room for agriculture or poaching for food and income.\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Kafue National Park, Zambia. About fifty percent of the population in the area surrounding the park lives in extreme poverty. With few job opportunities, local communities depend on the forest for food, fuel and income. This combination of needs is driving deforestation, largely through deforestation for new room for agriculture or poaching for food and income.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-chevron-left\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M646 125C629 125 613 133 604 142L308 442C296 454 292 471 292 487 292 504 296 521 308 533L604 854C617 867 629 875 646 875 663 875 679 871 692 858 704 846 713 829 713 812 713 796 708 779 692 767L438 487 692 225C700 217 708 204 708 187 708 171 704 154 692 142 675 129 663 125 646 125Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-chevron-right\" 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Advanced Slider -->\n\t\t<div class=\"wpr-advanced-slider-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-advanced-slider\" dir=\"ltr\" data-slick=\"{&quot;rtl&quot;:false,&quot;infinite&quot;:true,&quot;speed&quot;:700,&quot;arrows&quot;:true,&quot;dots&quot;:true,&quot;autoplay&quot;:false,&quot;autoplaySpeed&quot;:1000,&quot;pauseOnHover&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;prevArrow&quot;:&quot;#wpr-slider-prev-43a2cb5&quot;,&quot;nextArrow&quot;:&quot;#wpr-slider-next-43a2cb5&quot;,&quot;vertical&quot;:false,&quot;adaptiveHeight&quot;:true}\" data-hide-video-content=\"yes\" data-video-btn-size=\"{&quot;widescreen&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;desktop&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;laptop&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;tablet_extra&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;mobile_extra&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;}\" data-slide-effect=\"slide\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-slider-item elementor-repeater-item-a5cca5c\"><div class=\"wpr-slider-item-bg \" style=\"background-image: url()\"><\/div><div class=\"wpr-cv-container\"><div class=\"wpr-cv-outer\"><div class=\"wpr-cv-inner\"><div class=\"wpr-slider-content\"><div class=\"wpr-slider-title\"><h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/news\/publication-the-technology-fighting-poachers-by-luca-catalano-gonzaga-2\/\" target=\"_blank\">  Publication \u201cThe technology fighting poachers\u201d by Luca Catalano Gonzaga <\/a><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"wpr-slider-btns\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpr-slider-item elementor-repeater-item-389ddb5\"><div class=\"wpr-slider-item-bg \" style=\"background-image: url()\"><\/div><div class=\"wpr-cv-container\"><div class=\"wpr-cv-outer\"><div class=\"wpr-cv-inner\"><div class=\"wpr-slider-content\"><div class=\"wpr-slider-title\"><h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/news\/publication-the-technology-fighting-poachers-by-luca-catalano-gonzaga\/&quot;\" target=\"_blank\">Publication \u201cThe technology fighting poachers\u201d by Luca Catalano Gonzaga<\/a><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"wpr-slider-btns\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpr-slider-item elementor-repeater-item-828e821\"><div class=\"wpr-slider-item-bg \" style=\"background-image: url()\"><\/div><div class=\"wpr-cv-container\"><div class=\"wpr-cv-outer\"><div class=\"wpr-cv-inner\"><div class=\"wpr-slider-content\"><div class=\"wpr-slider-title\"><h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.com\/news\/the-technology-fighting-poachers\/&quot;\" target=\"_blank\">The technology fighting poachers<\/a><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"wpr-slider-btns\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-slider-controls\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-slider-dots\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-slider-arrow-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-slider-prev-arrow wpr-slider-arrow\" id=\"wpr-slider-prev-43a2cb5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-slider-next-arrow wpr-slider-arrow\" id=\"wpr-slider-next-43a2cb5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On the Edge of the Law &#8211; Zambia by Luca Catalano Gonzaga In Zambia\u2019s Kafue National Park, conservation is enforced across land and water. While elephants and other species remain targets of terrestrial poaching, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi has become another frontline. Illegal fishing networks operate along its shores, using the lake both as a livelihood and as a corridor into protected territory. Thousands are estimated to engage in illicit activities within and around the park, driven by poverty, limited economic alternatives, and organized trafficking systems. In response, specialized ranger units patrol day and night, moving between savannah and shoreline. Armed and trained, they dismantle fishing nets, intercept boats, arrest offenders, and monitor remote areas through coordinated control systems. Yet enforcement unfolds along fragile boundaries. Many of those detained are not distant criminals but men seeking income in regions where survival options are scarce. The same waters that sustain wildlife sustain families. The same land that shelters elephants feeds surrounding communities. Rangers themselves operate under constant pressure. Their work demands physical endurance, vigilance, and exposure to risk. Behind the discipline and weapons lies another reality: long patrols, isolation, modest living conditions, and the weight of responsibility in landscapes where law and livelihood collide. In Kafue, conservation is not a static ideal but a continuous negotiation. The defense of biodiversity depends not only on surveillance and force, but on addressing the economic fragility that drives illegal activity. Wildlife protection and human survival remain inseparably intertwined. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Rallying of the Rangers, where orders are given on anti-poaching patrols. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, it is estimated that between 4,000 and 6,000 poachers are operating in Kafue National Park, threatening fauna and flora, and, consequently, the tourism industry. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Distribution of ammunitions before departure from the \u201cGame Rangers International\u201d camp, for anti-poaching patrols. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Distribution of rounds of ammo, before patrolling by a team of the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU). Kafue National Park, Zambia. Rangers prepare for departure with dedicated vehicles. The Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU) was established as an intelligence led, rapid response unit, with the possibility to intervene everywhere and with the aim to identify the threats to wildlife in Zambia. The unit aims to directly target wildlife crimes in order to disrupt poaching and trafficking networks. SAPU has an embedded intelligence unit in order to identify the threats to Zambia\u2019s wildlife. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Departure for patrol activities of a special anti-poaching unit (SAPU). Kafue National Park, Zambia. Departure for anti-poaching patrol activities. The Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU) was established to providing rapid response to versus wildlife crimes in and around Kafue National Park. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Ranger leaving for an anti-poaching mission, which will last a week in the Kafue National Park. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Preparation for a patrol exercise. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Distribution of ammunition to be distributed to rangers before an anti-poaching mission. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Breakfast at the first light of dawn, inside the &#8220;Game Rangers International&#8221; Camp. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of an illegal fishing boat. Lake Itezhi Tezhi was formed in the 1970s and covers an area of some 37,000 hectares. Its formation after the dam was built caused a gold rush, or rather a fish rush, creating livelihoods for those communities living around the lake, especially in Itezhi Tezhi town itself which is almost entirely supported by the fishing in the lake. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fisherman stopped by rangers for illegal night fishing in protected park areas. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of illegal night fishing equipment in protected park areas. Bordering Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi covers an area of approximately 37,000 hectares. On a yearly basis, over 800 fishermen use the lake each year for fishing. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of illegal night fishing equipment. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Identification of an illegal fisherman before taking him to the local police station, where he will be placed in custody in jail. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Illegal fishermen waiting to be taken to Ngoma wildlife offices where they will be interrogated and jailed. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of the catch by the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU). Illegal fishing is leading to the loss of larger, most valuable fish species, and involves more and more use of environmentally dangerous fishing gears. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of the catch by the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU). Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Seizure of nets used illegally at night by some fishing boats. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. The seized boat is towed to the \u201cGame Rangers International\u201d Camp. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Evelyn muzhiwo, Control room operator. In the last few years, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia launched on a project called Kafue National Park Connected Conservation (KNP CCP) \u2013 a project that integrates the internet and cutting-edge computing with a virtual fence of networked thermal imaging cameras across the key trafficking routes of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi. Kafue National Park, Zambia. George Sakala, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Brian Shumbwamuntu, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Dennis Shaaia, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Kingsley Kabanda, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Braves Chivwubwe, member of the Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU), at his tent. Kafue National Park, Zambia. Kedwin Mudenda, of the special anti-poaching unit (SAPU), at the camp in \u201cFresh Island\u201d. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Patrol boat checks fishermen on the lake. Lake Itezhi Tezhi, is an especially vulnerable border for the park: poachers move back and forth across the water with legitimate fishers, hiding their weapons under fishing nets. Kafue National Park, Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Fishing license<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stories"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1121"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1121\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9609,"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1121\/revisions\/9609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.witnessimage.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}