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Blue Lagoon National Park General Management Plan

Zambia Wildlife Authority i

FOREWORD

This General Management Plan (GMP) for Blue Lagoon National Park provides

guidelines for the conservation and management of natural resources, tourism

development and community participation in natural resource management. It

provides a framework for the conservation of both natural and cultural resources

inside and outside the National Park. It will be in force for 10 years and is subject to

review after every two years.

The GMP was generated through a lengthy participatory and interactive Strategic

Planning Process (SPP) involving key stakeholders. It was produced with the

collaboration of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) following a Partnership

Agreement with the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) signed in the year 2000. It

emphasises the commitment of ZAWA to checking the balance between the

preservation and utilization of biodiversity to ensure long-term survival of wildlife

resources in a way that benefits both local and regional human populations, as well as

international visitors.

My hope and wish is that this GMP will not just be another document destined to lie

on dusty shelves. It should be viewed and treated as a useful, practical, handy and

dynamic document, which will be updated and continually revised. In other words, it

should be the most important document on which all those concerned and responsible

for Blue Lagoon National Park should rely upon.

Hapenga M. Kabeta

Director General

Zambia Wildlife Authority


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APPROVAL PAGE

Implementation of this General Management Plan for Blue Lagoon National Park has

been approved by the Board of Directors of Zambia Wildlife Authority at its 47th

meeting held on 31st August, 2004.

Hapenga M. Kabeta Vincent N. Kamuti

Director General Board Chairperson

Zambia Wildlife Authority Zambia Wildlife Authority

31st August, 2004 31st August, 2004


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWARD .................................................................................................................................. i

APPROVAL PAGE ................................................................................................................................. ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................ iii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS ........................................................................................ vii

DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................................. viii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... x

CHAPTER ONE ...................................................................................................................... 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 LOCATION, SIZE AND ACCESSIBILITY ......................................................................... 1

1.2.1 Location ................................................................................................................... 1

1.2.2 Size .......................................................................................................................... 1

1.2.3 Accessibility ............................................................................................................ 2

1.3 PARK ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................................. 2

1.4 TOURISM ............................................................................................................................. 3

1.5 OTHER LAND USES ........................................................................................................... 4

CHAPTER TWO ...................................................................................................................... 5 2.0 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURAL RESOURCES ........................................ 5

2.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT .............................................................................................. 5

2.1.1 Climate .................................................................................................................... 5

2.1.2 Geology and Soils .................................................................................................... 5

2.1.3 Topography and Hydrology ..................................................................................... 6

2.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................... 7

2.2.1 Flora ......................................................................................................................... 7

2.2.1.1 Floodplain ................................................................................................................ 7

2.2.1.2 Termitaria ................................................................................................................ 8

2.2.1.3 Woodland ................................................................................................................ 9

2.2.2 Fauna ....................................................................................................................... 9

2.2.2.1 Wildlife Resources .................................................................................................. 9

2.2.2.2 Birds ........................................................................................................................ 9

2.2.2.3 Reptiles .................................................................................................................. 10

2.2.2.4 Fish ........................................................................................................................ 10

2.2.3 Population Status and Distribution of the Kafue Lechwe ...................................... 10

2.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................ 10

2.3.1 Shamikobo Late Stone Age Site ............................................................................ 11

2.3.2 Munezya Cave Site ................................................................................................ 11

2.3.3 Nakenda House ...................................................................................................... 11

2.3.4 Causeway ............................................................................................................... 11

2.3.5 Military Structures ................................................................................................. 11

2.3.6 Namatombwa Iron Age Site .................................................................................. 11

2.3.7 Kumulombwa Nvula Shrine .................................................................................. 11

2.3.8 Kabombwe Shrine ................................................................................................. 12

2.3.9 Shakumbila Shrine ................................................................................................. 12

2.3.10 Mwambula Shrine .................................................................................................. 12

2.3.11 Village Shrine ........................................................................................................ 12

CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................... 13 3.0 PARK PURPOSE, EXCEPTIONAL RESOURCES AND SIGNIFICANCE

STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 13

3.1 PARK PURPOSE ................................................................................................................ 13

3.2 EXCEPTIONAL RESOURCE VALUES ........................................................................... 13

3.2.1 Criteria for Exceptional Resources ........................................................................ 13

3.3 SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTS ....................................................................................... 15


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CHAPTER FOUR .................................................................................................................... 16 4.0 MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS, CONCERNS, ISSUES AND CHALLENGES ........................ 16

4.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 16

4.2 OVER EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES ................................................... 16

4.3 INEFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS .............................................................. 16

4.3.1 General Problems, Concerns, Issues and Challenges ............................................ 16

4.3.2 Insufficient Manpower........................................................................................... 17

4.4 INADEQUATE VISTOR FACILITIES .............................................................................. 17

4.4.1 Poor Tourism Facilities and Infrastructure ............................................................ 17

4.4.2 Littering ................................................................................................................. 17

4.5 UNCONTROLLED MOVEMENT ..................................................................................... 17

CHAPTER FIVE .................................................................................................................... 18 5.0 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................. 18

5.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 18

5.2 NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT .................................................................... 18

5.3 PARK OPERATIONS ........................................................................................................ 18

5.4 TOURISM MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................ 19

5.5 COMMUNITY BASED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ........................... 19

5.6 CULTURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ................................................................. 19

CHAPTER SIX .................................................................................................................... 20 6.0 MANAGEMENT ZONE PLAN ...................................................................................................... 20

6.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 20

6.2 RATIONALE FOR ZONING .............................................................................................. 20

6.3 LIMITS OF ACCEPTABLE USE ....................................................................................... 20

6.4 MANAGEMENT ZONING SCHEME .............................................................................. 21

6.4.1 Zone I – Intensive Use Zone .................................................................................. 21

6.4.2 Zone II – Conservation Limited Use Zone ............................................................ 23

6.4.3 Zone III – Special Use Zone .................................................................................. 25

CHAPTER SEVEN .................................................................................................................... 28 7.0 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS .......................................................................................................... 28

7.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 28

7.2 NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACTIONS................................................... 28

7.3 PARK OPERATION ACTIONS ......................................................................................... 29

7.3.1 Transport and Equipment ...................................................................................... 29

7.3.2 Staff Requirement .................................................................................................. 31

7.4 TOURISM MANAGEMENT ACTIONS .......................................................................... 31

7.5 COMMUNITY BASED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACTIONS .......... 32

7.6 CULTURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACTIONS ............................................... 32

7.7 MANAGEMENT ZONE DEVELOPMENT ACTIONS .................................................... 32

CHAPTER EIGTH .................................................................................................................... 34 8.0 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .................................................................... 34

8.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 34

8.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................................................. 34

8.3 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES ..................................... 34

8.2.1 Mitigation Measures and Recommendation due to Construction of a Safari

Lodge ..................................................................................................................... 34

8.2.2 Mitigation Measures and Recommendation due to Construction of a Safari

Bush Camp ............................................................................................................ 36

8.2.3 Mitigation Measures and Recommendation due to Developing a Picnic Site ....... 37

8.2.4 Mitigation Measures and Recommendation due to Grading of Management

Roads ..................................................................................................................... 37

8.2.5 Mitigation Measures and Recommendation due to Construction of an

Airstrip ................................................................................................................... 38

8.2.6 Mitigation Measures and Recommendation due to Erecting an Electric fence

Line within the Park .............................................................................................. 39


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8.2.7 Mitigation Measures and Recommendation due to Other Park Facilities and

Activities ................................................................................................................ 39

CHAPTER NINE .................................................................................................................... 40 9.0 PROJECTION OF PARK REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE .................................................. 40

9.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 40

9.2 EXPECTED PARK REVENUE .......................................................................................... 41

9.2.1 Types of Tourism Products .................................................................................... 42

9.2.2 Overnight Accommodation Facilities .................................................................... 42

9.2.3 Proposed Distribution of Tourism Products .......................................................... 42

9.2.4 Financial Projections from Tourism. ..................................................................... 43

9.3 EXPECTED REVENUE FROM CONSUMPTIVE UTILIZATION .................................. 43

9.3.1 Financial Projections from Consumptive Utilization............................................. 43

9.4 EXPECTED PARK EXPENDITURE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND

MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................. 48

9.4.1 Recurrent Costs...................................................................................................... 48

9.4.2 Capital Costs .......................................................................................................... 50

9.4.3 Analysis of Expected Park Revenue and Expenditure ........................................... 51

CHAPTER TEN .................................................................................................................... 52 10.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ......................................................................................................... 52

10.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 52

10.2 IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITY ...................................................................................... 52

10.2.1 Natural Resources Management Action Priorities ................................................. 52

10.2.2 Park Operation Action Priorities ............................................................................ 53

10.2.3 Tourism Management Action Priorities ................................................................ 53

10.2.4 Cultural Resources Management Action Priorities ................................................ 53

10.2.5 Community Based Natural Resources Management Action Priorities .................. 54

10.2.6 Management Zone Development Action Priorities ............................................... 54

10.3 IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN ........................................................................................... 54

10.4 MONITORING, EVALUTION AND FEEDBACK ........................................................... 55

10.4.1 Monitoring ............................................................................................................. 55

10.4.2 Evaluation .............................................................................................................. 55

10.4.3 Feedback ................................................................................................................ 56

BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................................................... 57

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Monthly Rainfall for BLNP Station from 1969 - 1975 .......................................................... 5

Table 2 Transport and Equipment Requirements for BLNP ............................................................ 30

Table 3 Staff Requirements for BLNP Management ........................................................................ 31

Table 4 Summary of Proposed Overnight Accommodation Facilities in BLNP .............................. 42

Table 5 Existing and Proposed Tourist Accommodation Facilities in BLNP ................................... 42

Table 6 Proposed Fee Structure and Projected Income for Tourist Accommodation

Facilities and Park Entry in BLNP ....................................................................................... 44

Table 7 Projected Park Entry Fee income and Vehicle Fee income from daily visitors to

BLNP ............................................................................................................................... 44

Table 8 Projected Income from Consumptive Utilization of Kafue Flats North Bank GMA ........... 47

Table 9 Summary of Total Projected Annual Income for BLNP ..................................................... 47

Table 10 Projection of Park Revenue & Project Contribution for BLNP in Series of Five Years ...... 48

Table 11 Recurrent Cost on Salaries & Related Costs for Staff Requirements for BLNP

Management ......................................................................................................................... 46

Table 12 Recurrent Costs for BLNP .................................................................................................. 49

Table 13 Projection of Recurrent Costs for BLNP in Series of Five Years ....................................... 50

Table 14 Capital Costs ....................................................................................................................... 50

Table 15 Projection of Park Revenue and Recurrent Costs in BLNP in Series of Five Years ........... 51


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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Location of Blue Lagoon National Park ............................................................................... 2

Figure 2 Access to BLNP ..................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 3 Facilities of BLNP ................................................................................................................ 4

Figure 4 Topography and Hydrology of BLNP ................................................................................... 7

Figure 5 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Sites of BLNP ...................................................... 12

Figure 6 BLNP Management Zones ................................................................................................... 21

Figure 7 BLNP Current Conditions .................................................................................................... 26

Figure 8 BLNP Future Conditions ..................................................................................................... 27

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix I Species of Large Mammals of the Kafue Flats, Current Status and population

Estimates .............................................................................................................................. 59

Appendix II Total population Estimates of the Kafue Lechwe on the Kafue flats, 1931 – 98+................ 60

Appendix III Checklist List of Common Birds found on the Kafue Flats System ................................... 61

Appendix IV Checklist List of Indigenous Fish Species in the Kafue River ............................................. 65

Appendix V List of participants on the BLNP Reconnaissance Survey ................................................... 67

Appendix VI List of participants for the BLNP initial Workshop ............................................................ 68

Appendix VII List of Participants on the Consultative meeting for the BLNP Zone Planning Process ..... 69

Appendix VIII List of Participants to the Final Workshop for the BLNP Zone Planning Process .............. 71

Appendix IX Statutory Instrument for Gazettment of Blue Lagoon National Park ................................... 72


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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AMU Area Management Unit

AOP Annual Operations Plan

CBNRM Community-Based Natural Resource Management

CRB Community Resource Board

EA Environmental Audit

ECZ Environmental Council of Zambia

EPB Environmental Project Brief

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EPPCA Environmental Protection & Pollution Control Act No. 12 of 1990

GMA Game Management Area

GMP General Management Plan

IUCN World Conservation Union

NPWS National Parks & Wildlife Service

SI Statutory Instrument

TCA Tourism Concession Agreement

WIA Wildlife Impact Assessment

ZAWA Zambia Wildlife Authority


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DEFINITIONS

Area Management Unit (AMU) is an administrative geographically delineated area

unit under Zambia Wildlife Authority for wildlife estate in Zambia. An AMU covers

one or more National Parks, Game Management Areas and open areas.

Bed-Night Levy is a payment demanded from an operator by Zambia Wildlife

Authority for the nights spent by clients calculated on the basis of the number of beds

available.

Bush Camp is a small-scale integration of a site, accommodation units, and minimum

equipment to service tourists. The accommodation units are semi-permanent

structures.

Camp is an integration of a site, accommodation units, offices or equipment for either

tourism or park management in and around the park. Although the term is

comprehensively used, it mainly means the site of accommodation units for tourist

(refer to "Lodge and Camp") unless an additional word such as "wildlife", "gate" or

"staff' is accompanied with it.

Camp Site is a site provided to tourists for day use or overnight stays with communal

facilities. Night accommodation in tents or caravans is permitted. There are several

types depending on users or managers as follows:- Public, Private, Walking Safari and

Canoeing Safari Camping sites.

Fly Camp is a site providing accommodation units to tourists for a period not

exceeding two nights. The structures are removable tents only, being sometimes based

on stamped mud and fenced by grass. Two types are sub-defined. 'Seasonal fly camp'

is settled at a place through a season and 'temporary fly camp' is set in a shorter time

for walking or canoeing safari.

Headquarter is an administrative centre for the Blue Lagoon National Park, at which

there are permanent structures of management facilities and project staff

accommodation.

Lodge Lease Fee is a fee paid annually to Zambia Wildlife Authority by operators for

leasing a site to operate a lodge in the park.

Mobile Safari is a type of travel for visitors by vehicle being able to be combined

with walking safari, which is conducted by operators, and shifting places designated

to stay at nights in the park. Operator does not pay for entry fee and camping fee for

themselves but for the permeation to conduct it in the park.

Outpost is a camp for wildlife police officers set in the periphery of the park in most

cases or in the Game Management Area (GMA) to service the outlying areas.

Entrance and exit gate camps are also included.

Permanent Structure is a building structure whose base and walls are made of stone

or concrete.


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Picnic Site is a site provided to day visitors for temporary rest and has sitting facilities

to allow visitors take quick meal or snacks. No cooking facilities are provided.

Region is an administrative spatial area under Zambia Wildlife Authority for wildlife

estate in Zambia. A Region covers more than one Area Management Unit.

Safari Lodge and Safari Camp is an integration of a site, accommodation units,

offices and equipment to service tourists. The accommodation units are permanent

structures. Safari lodge refers to a large-scale tourist unit with full catering services.

Sector is an administrative sub-unit under an Area Management Unit.

Semi-Permanent Structure is a building structure with a base made of permanent

material such as stone or concrete and removable upper part of tent, reed grass or

wood.

Tourist is a person who enters the park for the purpose of recreation and enjoyment

paying appropriate fees.

Visitor is a person who temporarily enters the park legally. This may, for example, be

a tourist, government employee on business, a person who passes through the park,

etc.


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

Blue Lagoon National Park (BLNP) is located on the northern bank of the Kafue

River between 27 15’ 00” and 27 30’ 56” East and 15 15’ 83” and 15 30” 82”

South. It forms part of the Kafue Flats, which is an extensive floodplain of the Kafue

River System. The Park is one of the smallest National Parks in Zambia. It covers an

area of about 450 km2 hectares, which represents about 8.7% of the total area

(5,175km2) of the Kafue Flats. The park is accessible by both road and air. It is the

nearest (about 119 km) National Park to Lusaka the capital city of Zambia.

Blue Lagoon National Park experiences three main types of seasons namely the wet

season, cool dry season, and hot dry season. The wet season is from November to

March with an average annual rainfall of between 700 mm and 800 mm. The rainfall

trends have been on the decline in the last two decades whilst the temperatures have

been increasing. The mean annual temperature is 20.6C and the total evaporation is

about 2032 mm per annum.

The planning process for Blue Lagoon National Park was initiated in 2000 when a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the management of the Kafue Flats was

signed between ZAWA and WWF – Partners for Wetlands Project. This MOU is an

understanding between ZAWA and WWF-Partners for Wetlands to Manage the Kafue

Flats ecosystem. The two parties recognized the fact that the Kafue Flats being a

Ramsar site, is of major local, national and international importance and the

formulation of this GMP underscores Government commitment towards upholding

such status. It also reflects Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and its partners’

determination to preserve the nation’s biodiversity and natural heritage in protected

areas, whilst providing investment opportunities through responsible tourism

development.

The development of this General Management Plan (GMP) was achieved through a

number of steps which involved among others; preliminary data collection and

analysis, baseline resource data collection; development of possible scenarios,

presentation of findings through workshops to the stakeholders involved, and

finalization of the plan on the basis of the chosen management options. The plan sets

forth the basic management and development philosophy of BLNP and provides the

strategies for solving problems and achieving identified management objectives over

a 10-year period. Two types of strategies are presented in this GMP:-

(a) those that are required to properly preserve and manage the park’s resources; and (b) those required to provide appropriate visitor use and interpretation and for shared

benefits and local communities.

Based on these strategies, programs, actions and support facilities necessary for

efficient park operations, visitor use and human benefit are identified. The plan

constitute a unique method of combining the establishment of management objectives,

based on the results of research and monitoring, with regulatory measures aiming at

achieving these objectives.


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This GMP has been formulated to address management challenges related to resource

protection and conservation of the endemic Kafue lechwe, the diverse bird life, and

the wetland eco-system for economic, recreational, educational and scientific

purposes, tourist use and development, other park management issues such as natural

and cultural resources management and sustainable use of resources that will provide

tangible benefits to the park and the surrounding ecosystem.

These actions have been designed in order to secure the protection of natural

resources and values in the park and to provide for investment opportunities in eco-

tourism. Therefore the actions in the plan are geared towards protecting and

preserving the park’s exceptional resources and meet the identified management

objectives over a 10-year period.

The management objectives reflect the desired future of the park, which guides all

future management of the wildlife estate in the country. Resources that are particularly

critical for the maintenance of Blue Lagoon National Park as a protected area include:-

Endemic Kafue Lechwe; Migrant Waterfowl; Kafue Flats as a Wetland; Endangered

Wattled Crane; Causeway; Historical, Cultural and Scenic Sites and Pythons and

Monitor Lizards.

The plan of actions reflects a management-zoning concept that focuses on securing

the natural resource base first and providing for appropriate investment opportunities

through tourism activities as an essential objective but secondary to that of securing

the natural resource base. These investments must be implemented in a manner that

would have the least adverse impacts on the environment. This is critical in order to

avoid mining of resources for short-term financial gain and depleting the resource

base on which eco-tourism industry depend. The management zoning scheme, the

actions prescriptions specific for each zone and the limits of use determinations for

each zone and for the whole park form the basis for this general management plan.

Park Purpose

The following statement provides the Park purpose for Blue Lagoon National Park:-

The Blue Lagoon National Park is there to provide for the protection and conservation

of the endemic Kafue lechwe, the diverse bird life, and the wetland eco-system for

economic, recreational, educational and scientific purposes.

Exceptional Resources and Values

The following exceptional resources and values were identified for the National Park:-

a) High Densities of the Endemic Kafue Lechwe; b) High Diversities of Resident and Migrant Waterfowl; c) Kafue Flats as a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR SITE); d) The Presence of the Endangered Wattled Crane and Zambia’s Endemic Charplin

Barbet Birds;

e) The Causeway and Viewing Tower; f) The Historical, Cultural and Scenic Sites; g) The Presence of Pythons and Monitor Lizards in Large Numbers on the

Causeway; and


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h) Presence of Lagoons as Breeding Sites of Fish.

Park Significance Statements

The following are the statements of Park significance for the National Park:-

a) It is the closest National Park to Lusaka and the international airport; b) It serves as an important habitat for Palaearctic migrant birds and the endemic

Kafue Lechwe;

c) It embodies wetlands of local, national and international importance; d) It has a large population of Kafue Lechwe and water fowl which can be viewed

through out the year;

e) Its products and resources can easily be accessed by visitors due to its flat landscape during the dry season;

f) It has a spectacular view of a lagoon; g) It is a National Park with a high python and monitor lizard concentration in one

location that can easily be accessed by visitors; and

h) It contains critical habitats that support the endemic Kafue lechwe and endangered wattled crane.

Management Problems, Concerns, Issues and Challenges

The following are among the identified general problems, concerns, issues and

challenges related to the management of Blue Lagoon National Park:-

a) Over Exploitation of Natural Resources; b) Inefficient Management Operations; c) Inadequate funding; d) Fragmented and uncoordinated legal and policy frameworks; e) Lack of logistics that include transport, equipment and field materials such as two

way radios, transport, camping gear, GPS maps, and campus sets;

f) Poor housing for staff; g) Low morale among the staff; h) Lack of in-service training especially for junior staff; i) Inadequate social amenities for staff; j) Poor road quality and network; k) Unclear boundary demarcation; l) Inappropriate location of outposts. m) Insufficient Manpower n) Inadequate Visitor Facilities o) Poor Tourism Facilities and Infrastructure p) Littering q) Uncontrolled Movements

Management Objectives

The following management objectives were identified for the National Park.

Natural Resources Management Objectives

a) To protect and maintain the indigenous diversity of indigenous species of flora and fauna, including the control of invasive alien species;


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b) To ensure that the endemic population of Kafue lechwe reaches and is maintained at an ecological carrying capacity;

c) To establish sustainable utilisation programmes for the natural resources in the adjacent Game Management Area;

d) To protect the threatened population of wattled crane; and e) To ensure that there is good quality water for human and wildlife use;

Park Operations Objectives

a) To improve funding levels for the operations of the National Park; b) To attain an adequate number of staff for efficient park operations; c) To develop measures aimed at producing well-motivated staff; and d) To ensure that there is adequate accommodation and equipment.

Tourism Management Objectives

a) To develop sustainable tourism to an extent that it significantly contributes to the national and local economies;

b) To put in place adequate road infrastructure to facilitate tourism development; c) To facilitate the development of visitor overnight accommodation facilities; d) To develop and maintain a comprehensive interpretation programme; e) To improve the marketing and publicity of the National Park; f) To improve the revenue collection and pricing systems; and g) To ensure the provision of interpretative materials and professional tour guiding

services.

Community-Based Natural Resource Management Objectives

a) To promote effective partnerships between ZAWA and local communities relating to movements in the National Park, grazing, fishing, settlements (encroachment),

fire, deforestation and grass cutting for thatching;

b) To provide community-based education and awareness regarding the conservation of natural resources;

c) To provide tangible benefits accrued from the sustainable use of natural resources to the local communities; and

d) To involve local communities as co-managers for the sustainable use of natural resources.

Cultural Resource Management Objectives

a) To protect all significant cultural resources to contribute to tourism development; b) To protect and maintain cultural and historical sites, with close involvement of the

local communities; and

c) To establish an interpretation programme for cultural and archaeological resources.

Management Zones

a) Zone 1 - Intensive Use Zone

1. Purpose:- The main purpose of the Intensive Use Zone is to provide

for Park administration, and tourist overnight accommodation,

infrastructure and support services. The zone will also have a higher

visitor use than the other two zones.


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2. Access:- Access will be allowed by way of road and air.

3. Visitor Use and Experience

a) Accommodation facilities (F) b) Up grading of the Air strip (F) c) Bird watching can be done any where bird are found but restricted

along designated routes of game viewing roads, loops and during

walking (A)

d) Walking safaris (A) e) Game drives (A) f) Photographic safari (A) g) Picnic site (F) h) Picnicking (A) i) Camp site (F) j) Camping (A) k) Cultural centre out side the park (F)

4. Limits of Acceptable Use

a) Entry to be allowed by permits only; b) NO fishing in the park; c) NO off-road driving; d) Day game viewing to be allowed from 06:00 to 18:00 hours; e) Night game viewing to be allowed from 18:00 to not later than

22:00 hours;

f) Driving speed not to exceed 40 km/hour; g) NO littering will be tolerated, the principal of trash in trash out

shall apply;

h) Non-degradable garbage to be taken out of the Park and damped at designated sites;

i) NO collection of firewood shall be allowed within the park; j) 11 boreholes to be drilled as 1 at public camp site, 1 at picnic site, 1

at park headquarters, 1 each at the 2 entry gates and 6 at the 6

wildlife camps;

k) Electricity to be provide at park headquarters, entrance gates and wildlife camps;

l) Only 9 vehicles of tonnage between 1-5 tones shall be allowed within this zone on average per day at an estimated distance of 2

km radius while bigger tonnage vehicles shall only be allowed up

to the public camp site and the entry gates;

m) Only 6 outside day drives shall be allowed to drive within the park; n) Only 3 hours day drives averaging 40 km maximum shall be

allowed within the park;

o) 3 groups of walking safaris with a maximum of 6 clients, 1 escort and 1 tour guide per group per day;

p) 1 picnic site with capacity for 12 people at a time; q) 1 public camp site above Naleza with 16 bed capacity; r) Upgrading Shamikobo bed capacity from 8 to 16 beds; and s) Upgrading Nakeenda Lodge bed capacity from 16 to 24 beds.


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5. Future Developments

a) Management / tourist and loop roads to reach key attraction areas; b) Safari lodges/camps; c) Bush Camps; d) Sign posts / boards with names and labels put at junctions of roads,

key resource areas, loop roads sensitive plants, etc.

e) Visitor / information centres f) Guest house to be at Park Headquarters; g) Main entry / exit gate to be at Namungoma and the next get to be at

Nakeenda;

h) Boreholes/wells i) Electricity supply system j) Water reticulation system

b) Zone 2 - Conservation Limited Use Zone

1. Purpose:- The main purpose of the Conservation Limited Use Zone is

to provide limited visit use and enjoyment in ways that do not

adversely affect the natural environment.

2. Access:- Access will be allowed by way of road and water.

3. Visit Use and Experience

a) Archaeological/historical site visitations at the Munezha stone age site (A)

b) Walking safaris in the wooded area and plain areas (A) c) Game drives in the wooded area and plain areas (A) d) Bird watching in the causeway, Munezha area and around and

within Luwato lagoon areas (A)

e) Controlled fishing (A)


a) Entry to be allowed by permits only b) The size of marine engine for boats should not exceed 40 HP; c) No off-road driving; d) Day game viewing to be allowed from 06:00 to 18:00 hours; e) NO night game drives; f) Driving speed not to exceed 40 km/hour; g) No littering will be permitted; h) Non-degradable garbage to be taken out of the Park; i) No collection of firewood except for wildlife officers; j) Weight of trucks and vehicles for game drives not to exceed 5 tons; k) 3 groups of walking safaris with a maximum of 6 clients, 1 escort

and 1 tour guide per group per day;

l) 1 tented camp at Munezha Hill with 8 bed capacity; and m) No fishing in the park.


Zambia Wildlife Authority xvi

5. Future Developments

a) Upgrading and maintenance of seasonal management roads along the causeway, Choma via Namatombwa road, Namucheche road

and Katambo road;

b) Seasonal tourist roads to be routed in the plains; and c) Seasonal fly camps for management operations to be sited in the

causeway area, Shamikobo area and Namucheche area.

c) Zone 3 - Special Protection Use Zone

1. Purpose:- The main purpose of the Special Protection Zone is to retain

the pristine and undisturbed character of nature so as to provide a bank

of resources for the future

2. Access:- There shall be very limited access to this zone that will be

restricted to road and water.

3. Visitor Use and Experience

a) Research and Management operations b) Bird watching c) Strictly walking safaris


a) Entry to be allowed by permits only; b) Unless otherwise stated, all activities shall be strictly of research

and management purposes for habitat monitoring, animal counts

and research and management operations;

c) No fishing will be allowed; d) No removal of biotic and abiotic objects.

5. Future Development

No future development shall be permitted under the current conditions

and circumstances in this zone.

Management Actions

Natural Resource Management Actions

a) Gather up-to-date baseline information on the Park’s natural resources; b) Update the inventory on fauna and flora; c) Identify and prioritise the research requirements of the Park; d) Restock and re-introduce the species that have disappeared; e) Conduct effective law enforcement activities to reduce poaching and illegal

fishing to insignificant levels;

f) Develop and implement policies for the Kafue Lechwe and wattled crane; g) Conduct regular counts to establish trends in animal and population numbers and

distribution;

h) Develop and implement an effective fire management policy; i) Establish an effective disease monitoring system; j) Remove and monitor alien plant species from the Park; k) Establish and maintain communication with ZESCO regarding the water flow;


Zambia Wildlife Authority xvii

l) Liase on a continuous basis with ZESCO on the management of the water flow regimes on the Kafue Flats;

m) Realign the road on the western part of the park: and n) Control problem animals that endanger human life and destroy crops in the GMA;

Park Operation Actions

a) Secure sufficient transport and necessary equipment for efficient park operations; b) Redesign management infrastructure to ensure a balance between conservation

and staff well being;

c) Develop training programmes for staff; d) Provide social amenities to staff; e) Develop measures aimed at optimising revenue generation for the Park; f) Mark and clear the existing park boundary; g) Develop a waste management programme; and h) Promote effective cooperation between ZAWA, private investors, non-

governmental organisations, and other stakeholders.

Tourism Management Actions

a) Develop minimum standards for visitor facilities and services; b) Instil measures to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on Park resources; c) Maintain the road network and quality in the Park to acceptable standards; d) Manage effectively tourism concession agreements; e) Encourage the engagement and training of professional tour guides; f) Coordinate and regulate the development of tourism facilities; g) Provide guides for non-consumptive tourism activities; h) Collect and record all information pertaining to visitations to the Park; i) Develop and maintain viewing roads and loops for tourists; j) Conduct environment impact assessments for all new developments k) Prepare and enforce rules and regulations for visitors; and l) Relocate and improve the design of the entrance gates to the National Park.

Community-Based Natural Resource Management Actions a) Encouraging employment of local people in wildlife and tourism based activities; b) Encourage local community involvement in the development of small and

medium enterprises (SMEs); and

c) Making information accessible to local communities for them to make informed decisions on matters related to the management and utilisation of the Park.

Cultural Resources Management Actions

a) Develop a local cultural centre; b) Explore, mark and establish new cultural, archaeological and historical sites; c) Ensure the Twa/local traditional ceremonies and local craft enterprises to

contribute to tourism development; and

d) Provide an interpretative programme for cultural resources.

Management Zone Development Actions

a) Maintain and encourage tour operators to preserve the endemic Kafue Lechwe and diverse bird life in the respective zones;

b) Ensure maintenance of the wetland eco-system; c) Implement Park regulations;


Zambia Wildlife Authority xviii

d) Advertise proposed tourism development vacant sites; e) Develop Game viewing loops; f) Develop camping and picnic sites; g) Upgrade and maintain Management Roads and Airstrip; h) Maintain park boundary and fire breaks; i) Develop and maintain interpretative signs and labels; and j) Train staff in sustainable tourism development.

Strategic Environmental Mitigation Measures

Based on the broad assessment of environmental aspects and project activities that are

likely to be affected by tourism development and park management during site

preparation, construction and operational phases of the envisaged developmental

projects of the park, Mitigation Measures and Recommendations have been

formulated based on both negative and positive effects due to the following

developments:-

a) Developing Safari Lodge; b) Developing Safari Bush Camp; c) Developing a Picnic Site; d) Grading Management Roads of the Park; e) Constructing an Airstrips; f) Electric Fence; and g) Other Park facilities and Activities.

Projection of Park Revenue and Expenditure

The projection of park revenue and expenditure for Blue Lagoon National Park for the

next five years has been based on the following assumptions:-

a) Efficient ZAWA management and administration in place;

b) Implementation of effective revenue collection, pricing and financing system;

c) High investor interests, high tourism sector growth and stable national economy;

d) Moderate levels of occupancy rates as anticipated; and

e) Well-conserved and managed park resources, particularly the endemic Kafue

Lechwe, the diverse bird life, and the wetland eco-system.

The projection of park income is based on the following revenues and contributions:-

a) Annual fixed fees from tourist facilities; b) Bed levies from tourist facilities; c) Park entry fees to the park; d) GMA Resident Hunting; and e) Kafue Flats North Bank Safari Hunting.

The projection of both park recurrent and capital expenditure are based on the

following costs:-

a) Salaries and related costs; b) Law enforcement support and related costs; c) Infrastructure development and related costs; d) Vehicle Maintenance and related costs; e) Operations and related cost; f) Administration and related costs;


Zambia Wildlife Authority xix

g) Monitoring and research related costs; and h) Capital costs on the purchase of law enforcement motor vehicles and other

requirements for effective park management, opening up of new seasonal and all

weather roads and upgrading of existing roads to all weather roads and

preparation and development of the land use plan for the Kafue Flats GMA.

Table 10 provides the estimated projection of the total income for BLNP for the next

five years. It is assumed that the occupancy rate / flow of tourist rate in the first year is

estimated at 25%, 27.5% in the second year, 30% in the third, 32.5% in the fourth

year and 35% in the fifth year. The basic annual revenue in the first year shall be

$103,670-00. The projection indicates an increase of 2.5% from the previous year to

the subsequent one and gradually increases in the subsequent years until it reaches

35% in the fifth year. For the fifth year, the estimated total projection is estimated at

US $145,138-00. This projection could be possible to achieve because it is expected

that a good number of visitors would come to the park due to its proximity to the

capital city Lusaka once the road network is improved and through circuit connection

from Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, Mosi-O-Tunya and Kafue National Parks.

Table 10. Projection of Park Revenue for BLNP in Series of Five Years

Year 1 2 3 4 5

Projected Park Income in US $ 103,670 114,037 124,404 134,771 145,138

% Annual Increase of Projected

Park Income with respect to the

First Year Income

25% 27.5 % 30 % 32.5 % 35%

For the first year, the basic recurrent cost of US $147,884-00 is based on the recurrent

costs reflecting the current available resources and financial situations. For the fifth

year, estimates of the recurrent costs have been worked out to be US $73,942-00 as

reflected in Table 13 below. The initial first year cost of $73,942-00 represents 100%,

the costs incurred in the second year is estimated at 80%, third year costs at 65%,

fourth year costs at 55% and fifth year costs at 50%. The costs incurred gradually

decreases in the subsequent years as the recurrent cost stabilizes. This is so because

the park shall still require meeting the wage bill cost of $67,884-00, which is a huge,

cost together with other operational costs which are inevitable for park management.

The cost shall be reduced from $147,884-00 in the first year to $73,942-00 in the fifth

year.

Table 13. Projection of Recurrent Costs for BLNP in Series of Five Years

Year 1 2 3 4 5

Projected Costs in

US $

147,884 118,307-20 96,124-60 81,336-20 73,942-00

Annual Increase

(%)

100 80 % 65 % 55 % 50 %


Zambia Wildlife Authority xx

The projected park revenue and expenditure and the net park revenue are calculated as

reflected in Table 15 below. The projection indicates that, once everything is as

planed and assuming that all the assumptions made hold, there will be adequate

revenue generated for the park to finance its management and development. This

projection means that BLNP will have adequate financial resources to sustain its

operations over a period of five years.

Table 15. Projection of Park Revenue and Recurrent Costs for BLNP in Series of

Five Years

Year 1 2 3 4 5

Park Income +

Hunting License

103,670-00 114,037-00 124,404-00 134,771-00 145,138-00

Recurrent Park

Expenditure

147,884-00 118,307-20 96,124-60 81,336-20 73,942-00

Net Park Revenue -44,214-00 -4,270-20 28,279-40 53,434-80 71,196-00

However, the above projection does not hold when we consider the capital costs

required to be injected in order to sustain management and development of the park.

The management and development of the park cannot be sustained without the capital

cost resources. The park requires a total amount of US $744,700-00 as initial capital

investment.

The above analysis clearly shows that the park cannot attain a self-financing system

taking into account the huge initial capital investment that is required for sustainable

development and management of the park. Therefore, it is recommended that financial

support from the government, International organizations, NGOs and the

collaborating partners, particularly in the first year be mobilized, until the park attains

a self-financing system.

Implementation Plan

Natural Resources Management Priority Actions a) Conduct effective law enforcement activities to reduce poaching and illegal

fishing to insignificant levels

b) Identify and prioritise the research requirements of the Park c) Liase on a continuous basis with ZESCO on the management of the water flow

regimes on the Kafue Flats

d) Develop and implement policies for the Kafue Lechwe and wattled crane e) Establish an effective disease monitoring system f) Remove alien plant species from the Park g) Restock and re-introduce the species that have disappeared.

Park Operations Priority Actions

a) Secure sufficient transport and necessary equipment for efficient park operations b) Redesign management infrastructure to ensure a balance between conservation

and staff well being

c) Develop training programmes for staff d) Provide social amenities to staff e) Develop measures aimed at optimising revenue generation for the Park f) Mark and clear the existing park boundary


Zambia Wildlife Authority xxi

g) Promote effective cooperation with private investors, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders.

Tourism Management Priority Actions

a) Maintain the road network and viewing loops in the Park to acceptable standards b) Develop minimum standards for visitor facilities and services c) Conduct environment impact assessments for all new developments d) Collect and record all information pertaining to visitations to the Park e) Provide guides for non-consumptive tourism activities f) Encourage the engagement and training of professional tour guides g) Prepare and enforce rules and regulations for visitors h) Relocate and improve the design of the entrance gates to the National Park.

Community-Based Natural Resource Management Priority Actions a) Broaden local community participation in planning and management processes b) Encourage employment of local people in wildlife and tourism based activities c) Facilitate the active participation of local people in the distribution of the benefits

from Park resources

d) Encourage local community involvement in the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

e) Make accessible information to local communities for them to make informed decisions on matters related to the management and utilisation of the Park.

Cultural Resources Management Priority Actions

a) Develop a local cultural centre; and b) Explore, mark and establish new cultural, archaeological and historical sites. a) Revamp the Two / local traditional ceremonies and local craft enterprises to

contribute to tourism development; and

b) Provide interpretative materials such as sign posts and brochures at cultural, archaeological and historical sites.

Management Zone Development Priority Actions

a) Maintain and encourage tour operators to preserve the endemic Kafue Lechwe and diverse bird life in the respective zones

b) Maintain the wetland eco-system c) Implement Park regulations d) Train staff in sustainable tourism development e) Develop camping and picnic sites f) Mount Sign Posts in the respective Zones g) Advertise proposed tourism development vacant sites.


Zambia Wildlife Authority 1

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Blue Lagoon National Park is part of a riverine wetland system known as the Kafue

Flats. Although comparatively small, it is diversely endowed with abundant wildlife,

particularly bird-life. The wetland system is of major local, national and international

importance. For many years, the area was managed as a cattle ranch run by Colonel Ronnie

Critchley and his wife Erica. In the early 1970s, the ranch was handed over to the

Government of Zambia and declared a National Park in an effort to preserve its abundant

wildlife for future generations. The National Park was gazetted on 16th February 1973

under Statutory Instrument No. 38 with the principle aim of protecting the natural resources

of the area.

This General Management Plan (GMP) represents a plan of action for the management, use

and development of Blue Lagoon National Park. It reflects the Zambia Wildlife Authority

(ZAWA) and its partners’ determination to preserve the nation’s biodiversity and natural

heritage, whilst providing investment opportunities through responsible tourism

development. It has been developed to provide the management and development

philosophy of the National Park. The plan offers an important framework for addressing

management problems related to resource protection and management, tourism

development, cultural resources management, and sustainable use of wildlife resources.

1.2 LOCATION, SIZE AND ACCESSIBILITY

1.2.1 Location

The Blue Lagoon National Park is located on the northern bank of the Kafue River between

27 15’ 00” and 27 30’ 56” East and 15 15’ 83” and 15 30” 82” South (Figure 1). It

forms part of the Kafue Flats, which is an extensive floodplain of the Kafue River System.

The floodplain is situated between the Itezhi-tezhi and Kafue Gorges. The area has two

National Parks (Blue Lagoon and Lochinvar) and a Game Management Area (Kafue Flats,

which is divided into the North and South Banks). The central part of the Kafue Flats is a

down-faulted trough forming part of the East Africa Rift system.

1.2.2 Size

The Blue Lagoon National Park is one of the smallest National Parks in Zambia. It covers

an area of about 450 km2 hectares, which represents about 8.7% of the total area

(5,175km2) of the Kafue Flats.



Figure 1. Location of Blue Lagoon National Park

1.2.3 Accessibility

The Blue Lagoon National Park is accessible by both road and air. It is the nearest (about

119 km) National Park to Lusaka the capital city of Zambia (figure 2). Accessibility by

road is by one main district road (RD 183) that crosses the northern tip of the National

Park. This road leads to Mumbwa in the Western direction and to Lusaka in the Eastern

direction.

1.3 PARK ADMINISTRATION

The Blue Lagoon National Park is managed through the Kafue Flats Area Management

Unit in line with the ZAWA Administrative Structure. An Area Warden stationed at the

Area Management Unit Headquarters in Monze District of the Southern Province of



Zambia administers the Kafue Flats Unit. A Park Ranger stationed at the Park Headquarters

oversees the day-to-day operations and management of the National Park. The National

Park has nine outposts, out of which four are currently closed. The Park Headquarters

having the highest number (21) on comparison amongst the outposts.

Figure 2. Access to Blue Lagoon National Park

1.4 TOURISM

The Blue Lagoon National Park, because of its strategic location from Lusaka, has potential

to generate a high tourism turnover, especially for day visitors. However, due to inadequate

and poor state of the access roads to the Park; inadequate visitor overnight accommodation

facilities, lack of an interpretative programme, this potential has not been realised (figure

3). Most of tourist activities are currently concentrated around Nakenda House and the

causeway. A number of land and water based recreational activities such as bird watching

and canoeing have not been developed.

In attempt to develop visitor overnight accommodation facilities two Tourism Concession

Agreements have been issued for Nakenda House and Shamikobo. The Nakenda main

house will be renovated and additional chalets built to increase the bed capacity while a 12-

bed camp will be constructed at Shamikobo. The airstrip, causeway and existing loop roads

will be rehabilitated to improve air access to the park and extend the tourism season.



Figure 3. Facilities of Blue Lagoon National Park

1.5 OTHER LAND USES

Agriculture is the main economic activity for the people living in the surrounding areas of

Blue Lagoon National Park. Most agricultural activities are pursued on a small to medium

scale, with maize, sunflower, cotton being the most commonly grown crops. Agricultural

mechanisation is relatively low, with most farmers using hand-tools and oxen for

ploughing. Those who do not own oxen either borrow for free or hire at a fee from their

neighbours. Fertiliser application and use of modern seeds (hybrid) is also common among

farmers. Maize is grown both as a subsistence and cash crop. It is usually the surplus output

that is sold for cash to maize merchants and indeed to local villagers. Cotton, which is also

a cash crop, is often grown side-by side with maize. Pastoralism and fishing are also key

economic activities.



CHAPTER TWO

BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

2.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

2.1.1 Climate

The Kafue Flats experiences three main types of seasons: wet season, cool dry season, and

hot dry season. The wet season is from November to March with an average annual rainfall

of between 700 mm and 800 mm (table 1). The rainfall trends have been on the decline in

the last two decades whilst the temperatures have been increasing. The mean annual

temperature is 20.6C. The total evaporation is about 2032 mm per annum.

Table 1. Monthly Rainfall (mm) for Blue Lagoon Station from 1969 – 1975 (Handlos, 1982)

Season Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Total

69-70 --- 33.5 41.1 414.5 93.7 54.4 20.3 8.9 --- 666.5

70-71 1.3 4.3 157.2 171.2 182.1 106.1 52.1 55.6 --- 730.8

71-72 0.5 2.5 140.0 172.0 358.7 116.6 168.1 26.9 --- 985.3

72-73 14.2 24.6 17.3 68.6 162.8 221.0 12.9 1.8 --- 532.2

73-74 7.6 21.3 74.2 279.9 199.1 554.1 34.8 6.1 44.7 1211.8

74-75 --- 1 155.2 531.4 245.1 218.9 49.5 11.9 --- 1212.0

Mean 5.9 13.2 96.2 210.7 206.4 216.7 62.0 20.4 44.7 889.0

2.1.2 Geology and Soils

The geology of the Kafue Flats represents one of the ancient landmasses of the African

continent. It was formed over time through gentle tectonic forces, which led to a gradual

uplift and subsidence, giving way to a gentle undulating landscape of “swells and

depressions”. The underlying rock materials over much of the area are the complex

Katanga sediments of the Upper Pre-Cambrian age (700 million years ago). Most of the

Kafue Flats is carpeted by a layer of recent alluvium dating back to the Tertiary, and

underlined with grits, shales and sandstones of the Karoo formation. The swelling and

contraction of vertisols with montmorillonitic particles give rise to gilgais, small-scale

ridges.

Rainfall has a profound effect on the soils of the Kafue Flats. There tends to be a transition

between the soil structures depending on the local relief and the substrate or parent

material. The peripheral soils are largely clays and loams. The central part of the Kafue

Flats consists of clay soils of a dark black colour. Since the Kafue Flats are often flooded,

these clay soils are rich in carbon and capable of holding large quantities of water, as they

are impervious and poorly drained. Upon drying, they are subject to shrinking and

cracking, giving a reticulate pattern to the soil surface. The cracks vary in width and depth

but may be several centimetres in width and metres or more deep. The black cotton soil

may also give rise to the creation of micro-relief called “gilgais”. This is attributed to the



uneven expansion pressures built up in this particular type of soil. The relief varies from

ten to sixty centimetres or more.

As the relief develops due to the meandering of the main river channel, drainage lines

associated with a high activity of termites are created across the flood plain. The termitaria

zone is above the level of prolonged flooding where tree growth is restricted. Large

termitaria develop due to the activity of Odontotermes sp. and reach a height of well over

two metres. Generally, the heavy black cotton soil characterises the physical and chemical

composition of the montmorillonitic clays. Apart from being soil swelling and cracking,

these clay soils are acidic and rich in organic matter. Seasonal flooding and drying also

exposes the solid surface to ferolysis.

2.1.3 Topography and Hydrology

The relief is generally flat ranging from 950 m to 1000 m above sea level. The floodplain is

situated from 975m to 981m above sea level, whilst the swampy areas are located from

950m to 975m above sea level (figure 2.1). The water from the runoff and the Kafue River

channels inundate the floodplain and swampy areas each year. The water table remains

high during the dry season.

There is a tendency for the water on the Kafue Flats to backup, thereby causing flooding.

This has been largely attributed to the water from the direct rainfall onto the Kafue Flats,

inflow from tributary streams, and the overflow of the Kafue River due to the constriction

of the Kafue gorge. Floods normally begin to rise with the onset of the rains in mid

November.

The Kafue Flats is an anatomised fluvial system formed largely by downstream control and

the existence of stable channels governed by sedimentation activities under excessive

upstream supply of coarse bed-load. It was formed as a consequence of tectonic

movements along the Mwembeshi dislocation zone. Discharge measurements on the Kafue

Flats between the upstream (Hook Bridge) and downstream (Kasaka) impoundments vary

by about three times, with the upstream being smaller on account of its catchment size.

The two hydroelectric dams that were constructed upstream and down stream of the Kafue

Flats are fed by three sources of water: direct rainfall, flows from tributaries, and overspill

from the Kafue River. Starting in December, local and tributary flows cause extensive

flooding. Later floodwaters from the catchment above the Flats arrive at Itezhi-tezhi with

an increasing volume of suspended sediment ranging between 49.6 and 1,303.9 tones per

month. This results in the Kafue River overflowing its banks thereby causing additional

flooding. Maximum flooding on the western end of the floodplain is attained in February or

March and as late as April or May. The timing and duration of the flooding varies from

year-to-year.



2.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

2.2.1 Flora

There have been attempts to describe the vegetation of the Kafue Flats. However, there

hasn’t been a detailed vegetation study for the area. Broadly, the vegetation of the Kafue

Flats is designated into three main vegetation communities: floodplain, termitaria and

woodland. These types occur in parallel bands as influenced by the altitude above the flood

level.

Figure 4. Floristic map of Blue Lagoon National Park

2.2.1.1 Floodplain

The floodplain occurs in areas of low elevation of between 975 m and 981m above sea

level. It is normally flooded each year and its water table remains high during the dry

season. It is subjected to prolonged flooding by the water from the Kafue River. The depth



of the water can reach a maximum of 5 meters. Most of the herbs and grasses are aquatic

and semi-aquatic plants rooted in submerged soils. However, they can grow tall enough to

keep pace with the rising floodwater.

In the deep waters the dominant plant species include Nympaea spp., Vossia cuspidate,

Ecchnochloa pyramidalis, Echinocloa stinina, Oryza longistaminata, Phragmites

mauritianus and Aeschynomene fluitans. In the shallow waters the dominant plant species

include Sorghum verticiliflorum, Acroceras macrum, Leersia denutata, Sacciolepsis

african, Paspolidium platyrrhachus and Vetiveria nigritana. In other areas, the dominant

plant species include Polygonum senaglensis, Typha domingensis and Nymphiodes spp. By

the time the water begins to recede, the plants start to flower, the fruits begin to mature and

the spent vegetation commence to collapse, the floodplain will also have begun to dry

thereby forming an extensive mat on the ground. The drying areas largely consist of herbs,

which include Ambrosta maritina, Hibiscus triomum, Heliotropium baclei and Nidorella

auricalata.

The areas of the floodplain lying at the lowest elevations are subject to seasonal inundation.

In some areas, this can go on for several months in a year. Because of the low gradients and

the generally impervious nature of the soil, the local rainfall – if heavy – will cause the

flooding to begin in November or December. The run-off water from the local rainfall raise

the water level, and in some cases this may lead to the flooding of an ever-greater area

from January up to March. With normal rainy conditions, the waters will slowly cover the

Flats and by the end of the rainy season – somewhere around March or April – much of the

area maybe submerged. Most of the aquatic and semi-aquatic plants grow well under such

conditions. Aquatic grasses and sedges are common along the flood plain. On the high

flood level, the characteristic species are Vetiveria nigritana, Setaria sphacelata, and S.

avettae. Rice grass (Oryza berthii) is common in the deeper waters.

The levees and lagoons occur along existing and abandoned river channels. They are

dominated by grass species such as Echinocloa spp., Vossia cuspidate, Sorghum

verticilliforu and Phragmites mauritianus. Some tree species found on the levees include

Fardherbia albida and Borassus aethiopum. In the Lagoons the dominant plant species

include Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaea caerulea,Oryza spp and Aeschnomene fluitans.

2.2.1.2 Termitaria

The termitaria band occurs at elevations of between 981m and 991m above sea level. They

are frequently flooded due to local rains, water from upstream and run-off water. In poor

drained soils along the edge of the floodplain, the Cubiterme spp are active and form small

grey mounds, which are devoid of vegetation. On high flood line of the floodplain, the

Odontotermes spp become active as the only major builders and build large mounds from

subsoil. Tree and shrubs grow on large termite mounds giving rise to the name “bush-group

grassland as another name for termitaria zone.



Dominant tree species include Euphorbia ingens, Azanza garckeana, Diospyros

mespiliformis, Albizia harveyi, Albizia tanganyicensis, Lonchocarpus capassa,

Commiphora edulis and Capparis tomentosa. Dominant grass species include Sporobolus

ioclados, Brachiaria zanthleuca and Setaria spp. Herbs are also found interspersed in

some areas where some of the aquatic plants of the floodplains are found.

2.2.1.3 Woodland

A variety of woodland types occur mostly over 1000 meters above sea level. These include

the Munga and Mopane woodlands. The Munga woodland is dominated by Acacia

polyacantha, Acacia gerradii, Acacia seyal, Acacia sieberana, and Acacia nilotica,

interspersed with commiphorra spp, combretum spp. and Albizia spp. The dominant tree

species in Mopane woodland are Colophospermum mopane interspersed with Adansonia

digitata, Eurthobia ingens and Balanites aegyptiaca. Delbergia melanoxylan is dominant

in hardpan clays. In the woodlands the dominant grass species include Hyparrhenia spp.,

Andropogon spp., Eragrostis spp, Setaria spp. and panicum spp., with Echinochloa spp

occurring in impervious solid soils having poor drainage.

2.2.2 Fauna

2.2.2.1 Mammals

Generally the wetland habitat of Blue Lagoon National Park has a carrying capacity of

animals much higher than the current population levels, despite some hydrological

alterations. The animal populations are subjected to a lot of human induced factors

especially illegal hunting.

Several species of mammals (see Appendix 1) are known to occur in the National Park.

Historically about 20 species of large mammals existed on the Kafue Flats. Over 40% of

these species are now extinct. The Kafue lechwe is the most dominant and important

species in terms of numbers. Predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog were hunted out

in the 1950s and 60s because they threatened the existence of livestock populations in the

area.

The area still has a good number of herds of zebra and buffalo, whilst hippo can be found

around the Luwato Lagoon. Oribi, bush pig, bushbuck reedbuck may still occur in the

termitaria and woodland zones.

2.2.2.2 Birds

Many water birds seen in Lochinvar National Park may also be found in Blue Lagoon

National Park. These include the crowned and wattled crane (because of its conservation

status, the crane played a pivotal role in declaring the Kafue Flats a RAMSAR Site), saddle

billed stock, African jacana, glossy ibis, spur winged goose and Egyptian goose. The

Chaplin’s barbet, an endemic species, can easily be seen on fig trees. See Appendix 3 for a

checklist of the common birds found on the Kafue Flats.



2.2.2.3 Reptiles

More than 50 species of reptiles are known or probably known to occur but of special

interest to the area – and may be for tourism purposes – are regular sights of water monitor

and pythons. Unless otherwise, you cannot drive on the cause way without seeing a python

and a lot of water monitors.

2.2.2.4 Fish

The Kafue Flats are one of the most important and productive fisheries in Zambia.

Particularly, it is a vital source of fish supply for Lusaka. In the 1990s, the average annual

yield from this fishery was about 7,000 metric tones. The checklist of indigenous fish

species in the Kafue river system is in Appendix 4.

2.2.3 Population Status and Distribution of the Kafue Lechwe

The Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) is endemic to the Kafue Flats. Its population has

been dynamically reducing over the past 70 years (Appendix 2). Before the 1980s, it was

estimated to be in the order of 100,000, subdivided into three major subpopulations; the

first centred around Blue lagoon National Park, the second around Lochinvar National

Park, and the third around Muwezwa area west of Blue Lagoon. Early studies indicate that

the animals were numerous and widely distributed over the Kafue Flats. More recent

census records suggest a large population decline since the early 1980s, followed by minor

recovery periods. Fluctuations have been attributed to alterations in the flood regime (31%

of the lechwe habitat has been lost as a result of this), nutritional stress, and reproductive

failure due to disturbance of leks, tuberculosis and illegal hunting. The present size of the

Kafue lechwe is estimated to be around 40,000. About half of this is on the north bank and

uses Blue Lagoon National Park for its range requirements during some portion of the year.

It seems that the population has remained at this low level since 1982 and fluctuates around

this figure.

The present carrying capacity of about 100,000 lechwe can give a maximum sustained

yield of 7,000 lechwe per annum. From the current population of 40,000 lechwe, 2% or less

is lost through a combination of license hunting and culling per year, and 8% is lost

through poaching. It is therefore possible for the lechwe population to grow by an

equivalent of at least 8% per annum if poaching were to be controlled on the Kafue Flats.

2.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES

The surrounding GMA, contiguous to the Blue Lagoon National Park is located in the

Muwezwa and Shakumbila Chiefdoms. Within these chiefdoms, there are small villages

that are lead by headmen. The local communities are ethnically diverse and predominantly

an agricultural and pastoral society. Agriculture is on both commercial and subsistence

basis. A study conducted prior to the development of this management plan revealed a

number of important archaeological, historical and cultural sites (figure 2.2).



2.3.1 Shamikobo Late Stone Age Site

The hunter-gatherers of the Late Stone Age used this site. Evident on the site are some old

engraved holes on a rock. These holes are reminiscent to a contemporary game locally

known as Nsolo.

2.3.2 Munezya Cave Site

The Late Stone Age hunters once occupied this cave. In front of the cave is a shape of a

bowl engraved on a rock, possibly used as a container for water. This is probably the

second cave to be registered in the area with a potential of being a National Monument.

This cave may

BLUE LAGOON NATIONAL PARK - CBD · Blue Lagoon National Park General Management Plan Zambia...

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