We have been fortunate to have many dynamic and informative guests for our Conservation Chat series. This week we are sharing our talk with Ian Stevenson, CEO of Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), and Nikita Iyengar, CLZ’s General Manager at the time.

Visit the Lower Zambezi virtually in this Conservation Chat. Our guests from CLZ represent one of Zambia’s first and most reputable NGO’s supporting everything from foot patrols to specialized Dog Units, Rapid Response and Intelligence Units, and extensive environmental and community programs. They are truly making an impact on the protection of the Lower Zambezi. Ian has nearly 25 years of experience in protected area management, is a veteran pilot, and can often be seen participating in CLZ’s “boots on the ground” operations. Nikita is a native Zambian with a Master’s Degree in Environment Science and Policy from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and in 2021 was the General Manager for CLZ managing all aspects of CLZ’s operations including grant funding and donor liaising.

With IEF support, the first Community Scout Patrols in Luangwa started in January 2014, and have since grown and developed into essential wildlife and habitat protection efforts for the community. In order to bolster these efforts and respond to the surge in wildlife crime and trafficking from 2014-2016, CLZ and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife formed the specialized K9 and Rapid Response Unit, which with IEF support was expanded to the current 3-dog, 10-man team. IEF is proud to support such great, impactful work and are excited to feature Ian and Nikita in this Conservation Chat.

The 18th International Elephant Conservation & Research Symposium is happening August 15-19th, in your bedroom…or living room…or office…basically wherever you have a wi-fi connection!

Please join leaders in the elephant community for this year’s Virtual Symposium featuring 5 days of online presentations as well as an exciting showcase of virtual sponsors!

When: August 15-19, 2022
5:00am – 9:00am Pacific Standard Time (Los Angeles, California)

Thank you for reading our eNewsletter. Please consider sharing IEF’s news on social media or directly with a friend as we hope to build on the great work you’ve supported. We also have an IEF Store with new products to consider for Father’s Day gifts. Together we can secure a future where elephants thrive!

Warm Wishes,
Debbie & the IEF Team