Who We Are
About BirdWatch Zambia
BirdWatch Zambia (BWZ) is a membership-based environmental NGO dedicated to the conservation of Zambia’s birds and their habitats. Established in 1969, the organisation works to protect Important Bird Areas, support community conservation groups, promote environmental education, and strengthen national biodiversity knowledge. As the official BirdLife International partner in Zambia, BWZ plays a key role in safeguarding the country’s rich birdlife and advocating for nature conservation across the nation.
BirdWatch Zambia began in 1969 as the Zambian Ornithological Society, formed by passionate bird enthusiasts who wanted to study and protect Zambia’s birdlife. What started as a volunteer-led society quickly grew into a respected conservation voice, producing some of the country’s first bird guides, recordings, and educational resources for schools.
History
A Legacy Shaped
by Conservation
Over the years, BWZ expanded its work beyond research—partnering with government agencies on wildlife protection, supporting conservation clubs, and developing Important Bird Area programmes funded through local and international partners.
In 2012 the organisation officially became BirdWatch Zambia, and in 2018 it was recognised as a full BirdLife International partner. Today, BWZ continues to lead national bird monitoring, community conservation initiatives, and public education, with over 788 bird species now recorded in Zambia.
Our Focus
We collaborate with partners across Zambia and the neighbouring countries to protect wildlife, restore natural habitats, and support the communities that depend on them. Our approach is built around four interconnected pillars that guide every project we undertake: Species, Sites, Systems, and Society.