Y4ER objectives, goals and Targets are designed to reduce the pressure on the Kafue Sub-Basin and align with Y4ER vision statement, focusing on empowering young leaders, restoring ecosystems, promoting regenerative agriculture, preserving forests, and fostering circular economies.
Conservation Focus: Habitat Conservation and Restoration, with a specific emphasis on:
Aquatic Ecosystems

– River Conservation:
Protecting and restoring river line habitats for aquatic species by maintaining river flow and water quality and also reducing pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities.

Wetland Conservation:
Protecting and restoring wetland habitats for water-birds and other species by maintaining wetland hydrology and water quality and Reducing wetland degradation and conversion to agricultural land.

Forest Ecosystems:
Y4ER focus on Protecting and restoring the miombo and mopane woodlands habitats for species like the African elephants and lions whilst maintaining the woodlands structure and composition, reducing deforestation and degradation from agricultural expansion and charcoal production.

Sustainable Land-Use Practices:
Regenerative Agriculture:
Promoting practices like no-till farming cover cropping, and crop rotation this will improve soil health and reducing erosion and Increase biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Agroforestry:
Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes by Promoting practices like silvopasture and silvopoultry which will improve soil health and reducing erosion.

Sustainable Livestock Management:
Promoting practices like rotational grazing and livestock watering points this will improve range-land health and reducing overgrazing and will Increase biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibility:
Y4ER strategic focus is on Promoting sustainable packaging and reducing waste Encouraging recycling and up cycling of materials. Implementing extended producer responsibility for manufacturers and producers and encouraging the use of recycled materials in production processes.

Community Engagement and Education:
Community-Led Conservation:
Y4ER strategic focus is on Supporting community-led conservation initiatives, Empowering communities to manage natural resources sustainably and Building capacity for conservation and management.

Environmental Education and Awareness:
Y4ER strategic focus is on Promoting environmental education in schools and communities, raising awareness about conservation and sustainability and Encouraging community involvement in conservation efforts.

Y4ER strategic plan on the conservation focus incorporates circular economy and extended producer responsibility principles to reduce waste, promote sustainable practices, and encourage responsible resource management. By addressing these additional aspects, the Strategy aims to further reduce its environmental footprint and promote sustainable development in the Kafue Sub-Basin. The conservation focus also outlines specific priorities and strategies for habitat conservation and restoration in the Kafue Sub-Basin.

Target Audience:
Youth male and female, Local communities, indigenous peoples, and the wildlife in the Kafue Sub-Basin.

Primary Beneficiaries:
Local communities will direct benefit from conservation efforts, including improved livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Indigenous peoples will have direct benefit of cultural preservation and protection of traditional lands and the Wildlife will Direct benefit from habitat conservation and protection.

Stakeholders:
The Governments National and local governments will be responsible for policy-making and resource allocation. Donors from International organizations and foundations will provide funding support, the NGOs Non-governmental organizations working on conservation and development are key and not excluding the Private sector partners who are Companies operating in the Kafue Sub-Basin, including agriculture, mining, and tourism.

Partners:
The Local organizations such as Community-based organizations and local NGOs working on conservation and development, Research institutions Universities and research centers providing scientific support and expertise, Community groups: Local groups and associations representing community interests and needs.

Needs Assessment:
The Kafue Sub-Basin faces various conservation challenges and gaps, including:

1. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
2. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices threatening aquatic biodiversity.
3. Insufficient protected areas and ineffective management of existing ones.
4. Limited community engagement and awareness about conservation importance.
5. Inadequate waste management and pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities.
6. Lack of sustainable livelihood options for local communities, leading to dependence on natural resources.
7. Insufficient research and monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem health.
8. Limited capacity and resources for conservation efforts among local organizations and communities.
9. Inadequate policy and legislative frameworks to support conservation efforts.
10. Limited access to funding and resources for conservation initiatives.

To address these needs and gaps, the strategic plan will focus on:

1. Habitat protection and restoration.
2. Sustainable fishing practices and fisheries management.
3. Community engagement and education.
4. Waste management and pollution reduction.
5. Sustainable livelihood options and economic empowerment.
6. Research and monitoring.
7. Capacity building and resource support.
8. Policy and legislative framework development.
9. Funding and resource mobilization.

By addressing these needs and gaps, the Strategic plan aims to achieve effective conservation outcomes and sustainable management of the Kafue Sub-Basin’s natural resources.