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Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, has cautioned residents of Muchinga Province against harming the endangered shoebill, emphasising its vital role in tourism and conservation.
Speaking during a tour of the Bangweulu Wetlands, where the rare bird is commonly found, Sikumba warned that harming the shoebill could have serious consequences for both conservation efforts and the local economy.
This is according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday by Nelly Banda, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Tourism.
Sikumba described the shoebill as one of Zambia’s most iconic bird species, attracting tourists from around the world.
“If we continue to harm or threaten its existence, we risk losing a valuable part of our natural heritage and the economic benefits it brings to local communities,” he said.
He noted that the shoebill was listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat destruction and poaching. Its distinctive appearance and elusive nature make it a major attraction for birdwatchers and eco-tourists, particularly in Zambia’s northern circuit.
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The minister urged local communities to embrace conservation programs that promote sustainable tourism and economic opportunities through eco-friendly initiatives.
He assured residents that the government, in partnership with conservation organizations, is committed to protecting the wetlands and ensuring that tourism revenue benefits local communities.
“We must see the shoebill not as a threat but as an asset. By protecting this bird, we are also securing jobs and development opportunities for our people right here in the province,” Sikumba said.
He pledged to strengthen patrols and awareness campaigns to combat poaching and protect the shoebill’s habitat.
Sikumba’s warning follows growing concerns that some residents of Muchinga Province associate the bird with witchcraft, further endangering its survival.
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