KALENI HILLS: THE SOURCE OF THE MIGHTY ZAMBEZI RIVER

TOURISM WITH NDUBI MVULA

AS recently announced by Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba, the Zambia Green, Resilient, and Transformation Tourism Development Project (GREAT-TDP) officially kicked off on January 10, 2024, marking a turning point for the country’s expanding nature-based tourism sector. One such area on the cards is the source of the Zambezi River as NDUBI MVULA writes…

The Zambezi River, originating from the Kalen Hills in the North-western Province of Zambia, is not only a crucial waterway for Southern Africa but also a vital ecological and cultural heritage site.

The Zambezi River, one of Africa’s most iconic waterways, originates in the Mwinilunga District of North-western Zambia. The river’s source, set in a pristine, forested area, holds immense potential for tourism.

Recognizing this potential, the Zambian Government, in partnership with various stakeholders, has initiated a US$100 million Tourism Development Project aimed at developing the source of the Zambezi River. This comprehensive initiative seeks to harness the tourism potential of the region, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable development.

The primary purpose of the Tourism Development Project is to transform the source of the Zambezi River into a major tourist destination. This initiative is driven by several key objectives:

1. Economic diversification and growth: Zambia’s economy has traditionally been reliant on mining, particularly copper. Diversifying the economy through tourism is seen as a strategic move to create alternative revenue streams, reduce economic vulnerability, and promote sustainable development. The project aims to attract both domestic and international tourists, generating income and creating jobs in the region.

2. Infrastructure development: The project involves significant infrastructure development, including the construction of access roads, visitor centres, lodges, and other amenities. This development is crucial for making the site accessible and comfortable for tourists, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience.

3. Environmental conservation: Protecting the natural environment is a core component of the project. By promoting eco-tourism, the initiative seeks to conserve the pristine forests and biodiversity around the source of the Zambezi River. Sustainable tourism practices will be emphasized to minimize the ecological footprint and preserve the area for future generations.

4. Cultural preservation: The project aims to showcase and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the local communities. By integrating cultural experiences and promoting local arts and crafts, the initiative seeks to provide a holistic and authentic tourism experience while ensuring that local traditions and customs are respected and preserved.

The Tourism Development Project at the source of the Zambezi River promises a multitude of benefits that span economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

For instance, under the Economic Benefits, bring to the table job creation and income generation. This is one of the most significant benefits of the project as it brings about the creation of employment opportunities.

From construction jobs during the development phase to permanent positions in hospitality, tour guiding, and maintenance, the project is expected to generate thousands of jobs. Additionally, increased tourist spending will stimulate local businesses, from restaurants and shops to transport services, further boosting the local economy.

Then comes the aspect of foreign exchange earnings. By attracting international tourists, the project will help increase Zambia’s foreign exchange earnings. This influx of foreign currency is crucial for the country’s balance of payments and can be reinvested in other developmental projects.

Under the promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the tourism sector provides a fertile ground for the growth of SMEs, particularly those involved in providing goods and services to tourists. This can include local artisans, tour operators, and other service providers, fostering entrepreneurship and economic dynamism.

And under the environmental benefits, there is the conservation of biodiversity. The project emphasises sustainable tourism practices aimed at conserving the local ecosystem. By establishing protected areas and promoting eco-friendly activities, the initiative will help preserve the region’s flora and fauna, ensuring that the natural habitat remains undisturbed.

On environmental awareness and education, the project intends to incorporate educational programs and activities designed to raise awareness about environmental conservation. Tourists and locals alike will benefit from learning about the importance of protecting natural resources, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

When it comes to social and cultural benefits through community empowerment, this calls for engaging the local communities in the development and management of the tourism project which is central to its success. By providing training and capacity-building opportunities, the project aims to empower local residents, enabling them to actively participate in and benefit from the tourism industry.

As for the preservation of cultural heritage, the project intends to promote traditional crafts, dances, and customs, thereby preserving the cultural expressions and ensuring they are passed down to future generations. Tourists will eventually have the opportunity to experience authentic cultural interactions, enriching their understanding of Zambia’s diverse heritage.

The development of the source of the Zambezi River will necessitate improvements in infrastructure, including roads, airports, and communication networks. These enhancements will not only benefit tourists but also improve the quality of life for local residents, facilitating better access to services and markets.

And by focusing on a relatively underdeveloped area, the project will promote balanced regional development. This can help reduce regional disparities, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are more evenly distributed across the country.

While the benefits of the Tourism Development Project are significant, it is essential to acknowledge potential challenges and devise strategies to mitigate them.

In a nutshell, the US$100 million Tourism Development Project at the source of the Zambezi River represents a strategic initiative to harness the economic, environmental, and cultural potential of this unique natural resource.

By promoting sustainable tourism, the project aims to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, conserve biodiversity, and preserve cultural heritage. While challenges exist, careful planning and community engagement can ensure that the benefits of the project are maximized, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the region.

The successful implementation of this project will serve as a model for similar initiatives across Africa by showcasing the power of tourism to drive sustainable development.