Hope this works for you all.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6583413.stm

Cheers,
Sharon

This is great news. I also posted about this earlier this morning.
Hopefully it will mean more visitors for NL.

Thanks Sharon, great to see that recognition. This actually plays well into a discussion going on in the Kenya/Hunting thread in that rewarding locals for conservation with economic development, especially that which derives value from the land is essential for long-term conservation.

Hi Cruisinred - I didn't see your post until I'd already posted mine! It is, however, great news, indeed.

PB - I haven't been on board a lot lately so I will have to check the hunting thread. I head back to South Luangwa in a couple of weeks so hope to learn more.

So where have you been hiding, Sharon?
We've missed you around here.

It works for me on many levels! Enjoy Zambia and give us the full scoop when you return.

Thanks guys! Yes, I will endeavor to take better notes this trip and report back. I am going earlier in May this year, so it will be interesting to see how it compares to early June.

Julian and I will meet in Durban for a trade show first, then it's on to Zambia. Cannot wait! You will undoubtedly have an enjoyable trip report from Julian who at this very moment is seeing Vic Falls for the first time.

Later he heads out for a couple of nights with the San bushmen! (Hope they don't try to serve him anything with onions or coconut...)

Cooncat2 - thank you for posting this. Upon my return from the N.Luangwa I shared some videos of the elephants I had seen in the N.Luangwa with the Ownens Foundation and the administrator at the time told me about all the good work Hammer was doing. This is outstanding news.!!! Below are a few comments from the Owens Fondation Website:

http://www.owens-foundation.org/docs/goldman2.htm



A video featuring the 6 winners entitled, Global Focus III, The New Environmentalists, will be shown on PBS and the Sundance Channel during the coming year.


"Without a salary, outside funding or transport for almost a year he kept his programs alive by visiting remote villages on foot, bicycle or catching lifts. He has helped locals realize the precious nature of their wildlife heritage and the fragile balance that can so easily be destroyed. He is a modern day hero."
- Mark Owens, co-founder and co-president with Dr. Delia Owens, the North Luangwa Conservation Project (1986-1997) and the Owens Foundation for Wildlife Conservation

"Once in a very great while a man or woman is born who transcends his or her time or place and inhabits a sort of timeless soul and mind. Simwinga is one of these rare people. He saw what needed to be done for his people and acted with courage to ensure a self-sufficiency that is sorely lacking in much of Africa."
- Alexandra Fuller, Zambian author

Thanks GreenDrake! Your addition is beyond cool. Gave me goosebumps! He really is a hero - it takes guts and strength to swim against the current as he has done.

I absolutley plan to go to the North Park, but will wait to do that later in the year - perhaps in 2008. The timing of my upcoming trip was dictated by Indaba, the trade show. Thanks for posting!

Perhaps early August of 2008 for North Luangwa, Cooncat? Cuz that's when I'm going.

Very possibly, Lynn! We will see!