Report by Ginty Melvill

The Zambia Motor Sports Association (ZMSA) has embraced the FIM’s call to support UNEP’s 2016 World Environment Day and to sensitize their motorcyclists on illegal wildlife trade and poaching. Leisure & Touring riding is particularly popular in Zambia. The decision was made to launch an awareness initiative through several of their Clubs/Groups, but also incorporating ZMSA as National Federation.

Due to a clash of events on World Environmental Day (5 June), the Zambia Motor Sports Association decided to use several events (on different days) to increase the exposure of the day, as well as the base of general environmental awareness throughout the Country. The environmental awareness initiatives were arranged by the Chairman of FIM Africa Leisure and Touring Commission and the Zambian FIM AFRICA Environmental Steward.

Zambia Motor Sports Association (ZMSA) members are actively involved in the “Save the Rhino Fund” as well as supporting the Elephant Orphanage at the Lilayi Lodge near Lusaka. The FIM AFRICA motto of “STOP POACHING” fitted in to both categories of protection of wildlife endangered species operations.

In mid-May we were fortunate to have the CEO and a party of the David Shepard Foundation, from England, visiting Zambia. In Lusaka they visited the Lilayi Lodge and the Elephant Nursery, which is one of the Foundation’s Projects. The ZMSA used this visit to arrange a World Environment Day initiative, at the same time.

Several riders gathered for a breakfast on the morning of the visit. This was followed by a ride out to Lilayi Lodge, where a large poster depicting the elephant and rhino had previously been erected at the entrance of the Orphanage. Riders witnessed the feeding of the orphan elephant and met with the CEO of the Foundation. A short talk was made to those present on the functions of FIM Africa and also its involvement in environmental awareness, as well as to highlight wildlife preservation as central theme of 2016 World Environment Day.

The second event was the Lusaka Motor Show, an annual commercial event, which was supported also by groups of the ZMSA, namely the Classic Cars and Motor Cycle Group, the Road and Off Road group as well as the Motor X Group and the Leisure and Touring FIM Africa Commission, which covered all aspects of motor cycling in Zambia.

A large poster depicting “STOP POACHING” and pictures of the elephant and rhino were present at the Motor Cycle stand, and explanations given to interested parties.

Both of these events had a large following and excellent exposure and awareness was generated.

ZMSA is planning similar awareness initiatives for the remainder of 2016:

The Mountain Bike Association of Lusaka hold an annual 3 day event in the Zambezi Escarpment, and the ZMSA members participated, led by the FIM Africa President, also a keen mountain biker. Several motor cyclists are also keen mountain bikers, and the event “1 Zambia” attracts a large entry, and is well supported by local commercial operations.

A large Banner depicting elephant and rhino will be placed at the start and finish of the event, and car bumper stickers “FIM supports the SAVETHE RHINO TRUST “Stop Poaching” motto, with the FIM AFRICA logo and picture of a rhino head, placed in the Goodie Bag given to each entrant. These stickers will also also be handed out to motorcyclists, and motorists in general, and especially those motor cyclists and quad riders who are riding as sweep to the event.

The final event in which the Zambian environmental awareness campaign will be brought to the attention of all, is at a National Moto X Event to be held on the Copperbelt, where banners will be displayed, and a short Environmental message will be given publicly.

ZMSA challenges all other National Motorcycle Federations to also get involve and share their environmental initiatives. Our natural environment holds no borders and we wish to do our bit to safeguard our wildlife, so that we can also share its beauty with riders who visit our country.