26/08/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE KANCHIBIYA RIVER IS DYING — ACTION FOR NATURE RENEWS URGENT CALL TO SAVE A LIFELINE
Kanchibiya, Muchinga Province — 26 August 2026
Action for Nature is once again sounding the alarm over the continued degradation and pollution of the Kanchibiya River, a vital ecosystem and lifeline for communities across Kanchibiya District.
This is the second time in just over a year that we have raised this concern. During our previous engagement, we called for urgent attention to the growing threats facing the river. Since then, our concerns have deepened.
Our recent field tour of the Kanchibiya River revealed what we consider a near-disaster. We observed evidence of significant environmental degradation, including reports and observations of aquatic life dying in areas affected by pollution. We have also received reports of serious water-borne illnesses among communities that depend on local water sources.
We are particularly concerned about community reports linking increasing pollution to upstream gold-mining activities and the reported deposition of mercury and other pollutants into the river system.
THIS IS NOT JUST AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE
The Kanchibiya River is not simply a body of water. It is a source of life.
It supports communities through water, agriculture, fishing, livestock, food security and other livelihoods. The Kanchibiya District Integrated Development Plan identifies the river as a defining natural feature of the district, originating in Chinama Ward and flowing into the Chambeshi River.
With approximately 90 percent of Kanchibiya's population living in rural areas, the potential consequences of a contaminated river extend far beyond its banks.
When a river dies, communities lose more than water. They lose food, livelihoods, biodiversity, economic opportunity and part of their future.
WE NEED SCIENCE, TRANSPARENCY AND ACTION
Action for Nature is calling for urgent, independent scientific assessment of the river and its tributaries, including testing of:
• Water and sediments for mercury and other heavy metals;
• Fish and other aquatic organisms consumed by communities;
• Surrounding soils and agricultural areas; and
• Potential pollution sources throughout the catchment.
We need clear answers: What is polluting the river? Where is it coming from? At what concentrations? How far has contamination spread? What are the risks to people, livestock, agriculture and aquatic life?
These questions cannot be answered through assumptions or political statements. They require evidence.
OUR CALL TO ACTION
We call upon the Government, relevant environmental and water authorities, the Ministry of Mines, the Ministry of Green Economy and environment and health authorities, traditional leaders, mining operators, researchers, civil society organizations and development partners to urgently work together to:
1. Conduct independent water and sediment testing;
2. Investigate reported mercury and other heavy-metal contamination;
3. Assess potential impacts on human health, fisheries, livestock and agriculture;
4. Identify and address sources of pollution;
5. Provide safe alternative water where necessary;
6. Enforce environmental laws where violations are established;
7. Support restoration of affected ecosystems; and
8. Establish a multi-stakeholder mechanism for long-term protection of the Kanchibiya River.
DEVELOPMENT MUST NOT DESTROY LIFE
Action for Nature is not opposed to responsible mining or economic development. We recognize the importance of natural resources to livelihoods and the national economy.
But development cannot mean that rural communities inherit polluted water, degraded land and damaged ecosystems while others benefit from the extraction of natural resources.
The people of Kanchibiya deserve both development and a healthy environment.
We therefore appeal to scientists, environmental experts, government agencies, responsible mining companies, universities, lawyers, journalists, development partners, donors and all concerned citizens to come alongside us.
Help us investigate.
Help us monitor.
Help us document.
Help us protect.
Help us restore.
The Kanchibiya River has sustained life for generations. We must not become the generation that watched it die when we had the opportunity to act.
The time to act is now.
SAVE KANCHIBIYA RIVER.
PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES.
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.
PROTECT OUR FUTURE.
ACTION FOR NATURE SECRETARIATE - KANCHIBIYA
Action For Nature Media & Partnership
Phone: 0961888886
Email: [email protected]
Protecting Nature| Defending Communities with us.
Mpika Community Radio Station 89.5Mhz
Catholic Diocese Of Mpika - Yusufu Radio 106.3 FM
Ministry of Information and Media - Zambia
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment - Zambia
European Union in Zambia
Unite4Climate and Conservation - U4CC
Action For Nature
Zambia Environmental Management Agency
Zambia Environmental Justice Coalition
Kanchibiya District
GEF Small Grants Programme
Environmental Defense Fund
