Connecting Communities and Conservation through Sports

When communities are connected with and lead conservation initiatives, they can successfully steward ecosystems for future generations. Our conservation partners in Zambia are on the leading edge of community-based conservation approaches, working side by side with community members to develop solutions. As Henry Mwape from Zambian Carnivore Progamme (ZCP) says: “The fight against poaching, illegal bushmeat trade and many more problems cannot be won without the support of the local people. One way to win such support is to use a tool which the people like more such as soccer”.

In Zambia, like many countries around the world, soccer is an important way for communities to connect with each other and is a very popular pastime. Mimbulu Football Academy demonstrates an innovative approach to connecting this popular sport with conservation efforts while supporting young people and communities. In 2017, Henry with ZCP formed Mimbulu, a boys football team focused on conservation.

“Mimbulu” means wild dog in the local Nyanja language. At each game, team leaders and players engage community members in conversations around conservation including topics like coexistence with wildlife, poaching, threats to local wildlife, and pollution. For example, the use of wire snares for poaching has devastating consequences for wildlife in the area, and the team works to educate the community on this threat and on ZCP’s work to protect carnivores.

Through the team, community members have also developed a passion for the endangered wild dog as the team mascot. This species is highly threatened, and the team provides a way to connect with the species and develop a shared desire for protection. The games and the radio broadcasts serve as gathering spaces where people can convene and collaborate on conservation challenges. The team also participates in an annual Carnivore Cup tournament and games creatively incorporate other conservation organizations and partners in the Luangwa Valley.

Individual players also serve as ambassadors for conservation, spreading messages and engaging in conservation about environmental stewardship.

Dazzle Africa supporters have joined this initiative by providing uniforms and equipment for the team. Lacey Miller, a longtime Dazzle supporter and safari guest, has been a major supporter of conservation through football along with her mother Lisa Miller.

Lacey shares: “Football is very important to the youth in Zambia. When I learned that my mother was sponsoring the team I wanted to know more about it from the teams founder Henry Mwape. Henry has been a driving force for football in Mfuwe. His passion for the game and conservation through his work with Zambian Carnivore Programme is something to be admired. He has definitely motivated myself any many others to support football programs. I have seen firsthand what happens when teams feel supported, whether that is with equipment, attending games or simply being a fan. In a short amount of time this team has gone from playing in a low division to being one of the best teams in Mfuwe with a massive amount of fans. Dazzle Africa and ZCP partnering on this program shows how tourism and conservation can come together to create something that brings the community so much joy.”

Since its formation, the team has experienced major success and has been promoted through Zambian football leagues to now play in the provincial elite league. Last season, over 100,000 fans followed the team at either in-person games or via radio shows.

The team now sponsors community events like litter clean-ups and recently welcomed a new coach. With its growing fan base and reach within the community at both in-person games and radio broadcasts, Mimbulu is making an incredible difference for conservation and demonstrates the impact of connecting with communities to drive conservation success. Mimbulu’s approach highlights a way to connect communities while collaborating toward sustainable, longterm wildlife conservation.

Every goal Mimbulu scores is a conservation goal!

All photos: Zambian Carnivore Programme