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Chapter 2 - Zambia’s Changing Environment
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Eight of Zambia’s wetlands are Ramsar sites. Ramsar
sites are wetland areas of international significance
whose conservation and wise use are promoted
under the Convention on Wetlands, which was
agreed upon in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. According to
the convention, the wise use of wetlands entails
“the maintenance of their ecological character,
achieved through the implementation of ecosystem
approaches, within the context of sustainable
development” (Ramsar Convention Secretariat,
2008). In Zambia, Ramsar sites are areas of wildlife
and biodiversity conservation, particularly the
conservation of birdlife and aquatic creatures (World
Conservation Monitoring Centre, 2010).
The Kafue Flats are the vast, open floodplains of the Kafue River, which makes up part of the Zambezi River basin.They are one of
Zambia’s most commercially important and agriculturally productive areas, providing both economic and ecological benefits to the
country. Kafue Flats are an extensive area of wetlands and floodplains 255 kilometres long and 60 kilometres wide, covering an area of
approximately 6,500 sq kilometres and home to about 6 million people (Mumba and Thompson, 2005; Chabwela, 1994;Williams, 1997).
The wetlands also host Zambia’s largest bird sanctuary. More than 450 bird species can be found in the Kafue Flats, some throughout
the year and others passing through during migration. The Kafue flats are especially important for the wattled crane, which has been
classified a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (Nyambe, 2003).
Box 1.1 Location of Wetlands in Zambia
Fish traders in the Kafue flats
The WorldFish Center, 2001
Bangweulu Swamps
McMorrow, B.J., 2010