The renowned World Female Ranger Awards amplify the voices of female wildlife rangers around the world, those who stand on the frontlines of conservation. Not only incredible women who are protecting wildlife, but who uplift and empower their communities. This year we’re honoured to present the leadership award to…
… Janet Sakala, in Zambia.
“The World Female Ranger Awards give international recognition to female wildlife rangers who have shown exemplary service and commitment to conservation. I salute all our award winners and thank Rebecca and Lionel at Kiwano Tourism for sponsoring the leadership award.” Holly Budge, Founder of How Many Elephants and World Female Ranger Week
Why we walked 59 miles in someone else’s shoes…
You can never really understand someone until you’ve stepped into their shoes and walked a mile in them. That’s what they say anyway.
If you’ve ever tried it, you’ll know it’s one of the best ways to build more empathy, better understand another human being’s experiences, and see the world differently.
Stepping into the shoes of female wildlife ranger, patrolling over 20km per day, we committed here at Kiwano Tourism to not only walk a mile in ‘their shoes’ but 59 miles to be exact, across Slovenia. With heavy packs we walked for 4 days, to get a glimpse into physical and mental toughness these incredible women have to embody to do this kind of work.
For everyone who sponsored this year’s hike for nature our deepest gratitude goes out to you all. 100% of the money raised (£772) went directly to non-profit How Many Elephants who awarded it to Janet to support her crucial conservation work.
You can read more about this year’s Hike for Nature here>
Janet’s Story…
Sadly, when Janet was 15 years old, she lost her parents and could no longer attend school. Becoming a wildlife ranger has enabled her to become the breadwinner of her family and become an inspiration to other girls and women in her community. She shares, “Often communities in Zambia consider men superior to women and can easily discount our ideas and views.”
Through Janet’s hard work there’s been a reduction in poaching and illegal wildlife trade which has had a positive economic impact on the region. By preserving and protecting the wildlife in the region, Janet and her teams efforts have supported eco-tourism, a vital source of income for local communities.
Janet and her team’s efforts in 2023/2024 have been instrumental across 4 key areas:
1) Wildlife Crime Prevention
Janet and her K9 partner were involved in numerous operations that led to the arrest of 47 wildlife crime suspects and the confiscation of 52 firearms. Their efforts have been crucial in reducing illegal activities in the region. Janet’s work has directly contributed to the protection of endangered species in South Luangwa. Her efforts in anti-poaching operations have led to the arrest of numerous poachers and the confiscation of illegal firearms, significantly reducing threats to wildlife.
2) Efficient Operations:
The K9 Unit, including Janet, conducted 154 operations, which involved searching over 6,220 motor vehicles, 4,133 bicycles, and 4,012 motorbikes during roadblocks and checkpoints. These operations have significantly disrupted illegal wildlife trade routes. By participating in regular patrols and roadblocks, Janet has helped improve security in the region. Her work has not only protected wildlife but also ensured the safety of local communities by reducing illegal activities.
3) Community Engagement:
Janet has played a vital role in community outreach, helping to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting Zambia’s natural heritage. Her work has helped build stronger relationships between CSL and local communities. Janet has been instrumental in community outreach programs, educating local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation. This has fostered a greater sense of responsibility and cooperation among community members, leading to more effective conservation efforts. Janet’s involvement in school programs has inspired young students to take an interest in conservation. Her presentations and interactions with students have raised awareness about wildlife protection and encouraged the next generation to become stewards of the environment.
4) Resource Efficiency
Despite accounting for just 7% of CSL’s expenditure, the K9 Unit was responsible for 24% of suspects arrested, 29% of firearms confiscated, and 59% of bushmeat seized. Janet’s contributions have been a key part of this efficiency. Janet Sakala’s dedication and hard work have made a substantial impact on conservation efforts in South Luangwa, showcasing the effectiveness of the K9 Unit in combating wildlife crime and promoting conservation.
