Women in Conservation Series: Francesca Cooke
My Green World is celebrating women in conservation this International Women's Day. This month's Woman in Conservation is the inspiring Francesca Cooke, the General Manager of Conservation Lower Zambezi.
Francesca Cooke enjoys a fascinating and diverse career as the General Manager at Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ); she tells My Green World about her passion for wildlife and the environment.
Where did your passion for working in conservation come from?
I first visited the Lower Zambezi, Zambia in 2003 when I was 10 years old, exposing me to one of the ‘last great wildernesses’. My real passion came when I witnessed first-hand the efforts of wildlife police officers on the front line, and the dedicated management behind Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) fighting to protect the area.I knew I wanted to give something back to the place that gave me so much enjoyment on that holiday as a child. Fast forward 17 years and I am now part of the team here at CLZ and working with the same dedicated people, in an area I am now fortunate enough to call home.
What do your day to day responsibilities entail?
As General Manager of CLZ, my day to day responsibilities vary significantly. I support the CEO in the overall running of CLZ as well as overseeing the Education and Community Programmes.My main role, however, is fundraising, working on grant relations and ensuring the projects are well funded. Therefore, most days I am working on applications, reports or relations with a little bit of project management thrown in!The view from my office is spectacular, overlooking the Zambezi so the administration does not seem so bad! I am also able to witness first-hand the amazing work of the men and women on the front line of wildlife protection which is highly rewarding.
What advice would you give to women who aspire to be leaders in this sector?
Perseverance is key. Keep up to date with current events in the wildlife and conservation world, and stand up for what you believe in!
What are the greatest threats to wildlife in Zambia?
Currently, the biggest threats to wildlife in Zambia are illegal trophy hunting (for ivory, rhino horn, pangolin and big cat skins in particular), the illegal bushmeat trade is also a significant threat. Deforestation is a huge problem, with many habitats being destroyed by those harvesting timber for charcoal. Additionally, encroachment is a huge issue around National Parks with growing populations moving into protected areas - leading to increased human-wildlife conflict.
What part of your job do you like the least?
For me, it is definitely the finances and accounts, but it has to be done and is essential for any organisation to run. Likewise, to see the projects fully funded is always hugely satisfying at the end of the day.
What is the best part of your job that keeps you coming back day after day?
Seeing the results of those working to protect Zambian wildlife is a huge part of the satisfaction I get. Seeing the Dog Unit get an ivory bust, for example, is hugely rewarding and makes me want to keep working to find funding to keep the units running.Overseeing the Education Programme for me is hugely satisfying – it’s inspiring to see future conservationists come to life after a game drive into the park. Also, marking a 40/40 test always keeps me motivated.
What's your most memorable experience with an animal to date?
This is a hard one! I think my most memorable experience would have to be when it was your average Thursday morning in the office (and World Lion Day I might add), and we were setting up for the day (around 7am). We suddenly heard a pride of lions calling really loudly, so we jumped in the vehicle, driving no less than 100m to the outskirts of our base camp, to find a pride of 5 lions. I like to think they came to say hello on World Lion Day!
What are the challenges that you face as a woman in your region/industry?
Conservation is historically a very male-driven sector and so, as a woman, it makes it hard to get your opinions heard. However, this is changing.I do believe that working in patriarchal societies can also be a challenge. Times are changing though, and the Lower Zambezi is no exception, women are beginning to stand up for their opinions and get themselves heard. I am fortunate enough to work with a number of very strong female conservationists so we can spur each other on! This is why the organisation we are part of - Women for Conservation – is so beneficial.
Finally - in light of International Women's Day - what are you doing to help get more women in conservation in your respective roles?
At CLZ we are dedicated to building capacity in Zambians, and Zambian women in particular in the conservation sector. I work closely with a team of two Zambian ladies to work on the fund-raising and PR. We are therefore constantly looking for new ways to raise awareness about our organisation and Zambian conservation as a whole. CLZ also works with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and encourages women to be involved and train as Wildlife Police Officers - this year we funded training for 30 new officers - 5 of which are women! CLZ feels that it is integral to support female empowerment within the local communities and allow women to feel engaged with conservation whilst financially supporting their needs. CLZ currently supports the ‘Mbelis’ (meaning ‘moving forward’ in the local language) which is a women’s group in the Chiawa GMA with the aim to develop their skills, create a means of income, take ownership of a business and find a market for their products.