Stellenbosch, South Africa/Western Province, Zambia – 28 April 2026
Peace Parks Foundation today announced the appointment of His Majesty the Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko II of the Western Province, Zambia, to its Board of Directors.
The Foundation is deeply honoured to welcome His Majesty, whose leadership in western Zambia has placed the protection of land and the wellbeing of communities at the centre of regional stability.
“My acceptance comes with deep respect for Peace Parks Foundation’s long-standing commitment to conservation at scale, and in particular its approach to safeguarding landscapes while placing people, dignity and shared stewardship at the centre,” His Majesty said.
As custodian of the Barotse Floodplain and surrounding landscapes, His Majesty carries responsibility for one of southern Africa’s most significant cultural and ecological regions. His leadership has also helped advance the Kafue-Zambezi Community Forest Project, which aims to protect forests while supporting sustainable livelihoods for communities through carbon offsets.
“His Majesty joining our Board matters,” said Werner Myburgh, CEO of Peace Parks Foundation. “It brings traditional leadership into the heart of how conservation decisions are made at a time when that alignment is critical. Conservation at scale endures when it is built together with the people who carry responsibility for these landscapes.”
Editor’s notes:
Further background information on collaborative initiatives in western Zambia is available upon request.
Barotse Royal Establishment
The Barotse Royal Establishment is recognised by the Zambian Government as an official administrative entity in the Western Province of Zambia. His Majesty the Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II is the traditional leader of the communities of western Zambia.
Peace Parks Foundation
Founded in 1997 by President Nelson Mandela, HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and Dr. Anton Rupert, Peace Parks Foundation is a non-profit organisation pioneering conservation at scale across southern Africa.
Working through Transfrontier Conservation Areas that span national borders, Peace Parks reconnects ecosystems, strengthens local economies and helps secure the natural assets on which communities depend. Its holistic approach is built on three pillars: conservation at scale, community development and commercial sustainability, ensuring that protected areas deliver long-term ecological and economic value.
To date, Peace Parks has helped governments protect more than 780,000 km², co-manages parks where wildlife populations have rebounded fivefold, and supports more than 400,000 people through its interventions. With formal government mandates and strong community partnerships, Peace Parks offers a proven model for building resilience for both people and nature across southern Africa’s most significant landscapes.
The Foundation’s Vision 2050 is to secure 18 fully functional transboundary landscapes spanning 980,000 km², making it the world’s largest land-based conservation initiative.
For more information, contact:
Peace Parks Foundation
Lindsay Barnes
Communications Officer
lbarnes@peaceparks.org
Tel: +27 (0)21 880-5100
