The last few years have been a wild journey! As a freelance camera operator and videographer, based between Zambia and Zimbabwe, I am grateful to have worked with some incredible and inspiring people, in some of the continent's pristine landscapes. #conservationstorytelling #discoverzambia #therustymokoro #mattblair

The North Luangwa Conservation Programme aims to double its impact across the iconic Luangwa landscape with increased co-management partnerships with communities across the wider area #LinkingLivelihoodsandLandscape. A healthy landscape results in stable livelihoods. Linking the park to the surrounding communities' socio-economic development at a household level is the key to the long-term successful conservation of this key wilderness area with improved community buy-in with the ability to sustain their livelihoods from the landscape. The Luangwa is still threatened, with hundreds of thousands of people relying on this resource, if we don’t act now to protect the source, hydrology and tributaries, they will be gone in 5 – 10 years, leading to an irrevocable loss in less than a generation. The NLCP has a proven track record in its 38 years in the landscape with 20 years since the introduction of the black rhino, with a steady increase in population numbers and decreased illegal activities across protected areas while bringing tourism, employment and the protection of the natural resource that provides the necessities of life. The Landscape Integration Unit, currently funded by USAID, has been established to ensure inclusivity and equality with all stakeholders as we share one vision, understanding that conserving these resources is the key to a sustainable and healthy future for animals and people alike. __________________________________________________________________________ Assignment for North Luangwa Conservation Programme | Zambia.

"Can one species help restore a landscape — and a culture?" Film synopsis: On the shores of the world-famous Lake Tanganyika in northern Zambia, lies Nsumbu: a recovering national park; a refuge for wildlife; and a bastion of ecological stability for the region. The surrounding area is also the cultural wellspring of the Tabwa people, whose Royal Family identifies as the “Clan of the Lions” — or, "Abashimba". But lions – Africa’s apex predator, and the Abashimba symbol – are missing from the landscape. A local conservation organisation, the Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme, spearheads the reintroduction. It is ecologically essential to return lions to Nsumbu, but their task is substantial. What does it take to return lions to Nsumbu and help restore an ecosystem? Will the local community truly welcome Africa’s top predator back into their homeland? Can the return of a species restore cultural ties to a landscape? Abashimba goes behind the scenes to explore the inextricable link between people and landscapes. It explores the complexities involved in implementing conservation across large complex landscapes, and examines what role cultural heritage can play in the restoration and preservation of biodiversity. ________________________________________________________________________ *This film is currently in production and looking for funding. For more information please contact matthew@therustymokoro.com or mana@therustymokoro.com ________________________________________________________________________ Production // The Rusty Mokoro Script and Director // Mana Meadows and Matthew Blair  DOP // Matthew Blair  Additional Cinematography // Richard Watson, Samson Moyo and Mana Meadows  Edit // Matthew Blair & Richard Watson Sound design & Colourist // Richard Watson (Obscura Films) In collaboration with Frankfurt Zoological Society, Nsumbu-Tanganyika Conservation Programme, Zambian Carnivore Programme and North Luangwa Conservation Programme. ________________________________________________________________________ You can learn more and follow the story on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therustymokoro/ ________________________________________________________________________

The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award This award gives international recognition to the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field to protect Africa’s wildlife. The award is being sponsored by the Nick Maughan Foundation. The winner receives a grant of £30,000 towards their work. -- Find out more about Jealous: https://www.tuskawards.com/jealous-mp... -- DOP: Matthew Blair Cinematography: Matthew Blair & Richard Watson Edit: Fortemus Films and Maia Films 2023

Simon Parker spends time in the field with Zambian Carnivore Programme’s newest recruit, Lucky Charmer. He investigates how, alongside international organisations such as Tusk, this important conservation initiative helps to protect Liuwa Plains apex predators, which in turn has a positive impact on the entire local ecosystem. On assignment for Journeysmiths (www.journeysmiths.co.uk) Zambezi Expedition Written and presented by: Simon Parker @SimonWIParker for the TelegraphTravel Filmed and edited by: Matt Blair (www.therustymokoro.com) Featuring: Zambian Carnivore Programme (www.zambiacarnivores.org)

Simon Parker witnesses the rebirth of Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park. Its wildlife was decimated during a 15-year civil war but thanks to targeted conservation initiatives the park is now seen as one of Africa’ greatest wildlife success stories. On assignment for Journeysmiths (www.journeysmiths.co.uk) Zambezi Expedition Written and presented by: Simon Parker @SimonWIParker for the TelegraphTravel Filmed and edited by: Matt Blair (www.therustymokoro.com) Featuring: Zambian Carnivore Programme (www.zambiacarnivores.org)