The Zambezi is one of the finest and least spoilt rivers in the world. Its basin has many important ecosystems and habitats: wetlands; riverine woodlands; montane forests; dry forests; savannahs; and aquatic ecosystems.

Its wide diversity of species includes black rhinoceros: elephant; cheetah; lion; leopard; crocodile; lechwe; over 600 bird species; and a great diversityof trees and plants.

The basin has some of Africa's finest National Parks, and many valuable species, ecosystems and wilderness areas still survive outside these parks as well. Threats include unplanned human settlement, hydroelectric projects, minerals exploitation and ill-advised tourism development. But the biggest threat is lack of knowledge.

Contact: Duncan Purchase, zambezi(a)mweb.co.zw