Bridget Mulindi Meyer, born and raised in Nsongwe village near the awe-inspiring rapid number ten on the Zambezi River, is a beacon of environmental stewardship. An environmentalist, humanist, and community leader, Bridget is known not only for her exceptional leadership roles in her community but also for her unwavering commitment to protecting Zambia’s natural heritage and fostering harmony between people and wildlife.

Since 2012, Bridget has been at the forefront of restoring the Nsongwe River, which also runs through the backyard of her home in the Nsongwe community. What began as a personal initiative—de-silting the river and planting trees behind her backyard—has blossomed into a movement that is transforming many lives. For the past year, under the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative (CAPA), Bridget has mobilised 48 community members, including 33 women, 15 men. Among these are 20 youths (14 young women, and 6 young men), ready  to restore the river under the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative.

This collective effort has yielded impressive results. Bridget has been working with her community members in practising tree regeneration of acacia trees to promote natural regeneration and constructed six (6) check dams to regulate water flow and prevent soil erosion during the rainy season. Their work ensures the river can continue to sustain the local community and its biodiversity.

Bridget’s determination caught the attention of Chief Mukuni of the Toka-Leya people, who became a staunch supporter of her mission. The chief’s endorsement led to the enactment of a crucial regulation: prohibiting cultivation within 30 to 50 meters of the riverbanks. This policy has been instrumental in protecting the river’s integrity and promoting sustainable land use in the region.

Further strengthening these efforts is the involvement of Youths for Inclusive Growth and Safe Environment (YIGSE), a local organisation that has provided vital resources such as wheelbarrows and shovels. These tools have significantly enhanced the community’s capacity for restoration activities. Bridget’s leadership and passion have set the Nsongwe River on a path to recovery. Her vision, backed by the dedication of her community and support from traditional leaders and organisations, is creating a healthier ecosystem while strengthening the bonds between people and the environment they rely on.