TREES. WATER. LIFE. OUR FUTURE
North Swaka Trust (NST) is a non-profit organisation that aims to restore and protect the natural biodiversity of the North Swaka and Mkushi Headwaters Forest Reserves to better the ecosystem, the livelihoods of the local communities and the businesses that operate in the area.
We work in partnership with the Forestry Department of Zambia and local communities to reduce deforestation and forest degradation through promoting sustainable forest management, regenerative land use practices and conservation-compatible livelihood opportunities. Our approach is based on three key elements: community engagement, conservation and sustainable commercial development.
North Swaka Trust
Andrew Hunter
We are deeply saddened to share news of the untimely passing of the CEO and co-founder of North Swaka Trust, Andrew Hunter, on 3 March 2026.
Andrew was the heart of NST, and his loss will be felt by all of us for a long time. He was deeply passionate about conservation and the protection of the Forest Reserve. Even in the midst of challenge, Andrew led with resilience, dedication, and unwavering optimism. Despite many obstacles, his commitment to conserving the Forest Reserve never faltered, and his strong belief in the importance of this work continued to inspire the team around him.
As CEO, Andrew worked wholeheartedly to promote conservation farming – a method he practiced himself – not only to protect the Forest Reserve but also to improve the livelihoods of local communities. He was equally dedicated to conservation education, tirelessly promoting the importance of protecting the forest to benefit future generations.
Andrew was never afraid to admit what he did not know and approached challenges with openness and respect for those around him. His compassion was genuine. He cared about everyone on his team, always taking the time to ask how they were or to offer a kind word of encouragement. His faith was a steady light that inspired those around him.
Andrew’s passion for conservation, his unwavering positivity, and his thoughtful leadership will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with him. He defined what it truly means to be a leader — guiding the organisation with patience, calmness, humility, a ready laugh, and a caring heart.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.
North Swaka Trust remains dedicated to continuing the work Andrew started — protecting the Forest Reserve in partnership with government, traditional leadership, and local communities, and safeguarding this vital landscape for future generations. While he will be greatly missed, his vision and example will continue to inspire our work and the team at North Swaka Trust.
Why Protect Zambia's Forest Reserves?
Zambia’s National Forest Reserves are some of the nation’s most important natural assets. These forests were designated as National Reserves to ensure the sustainable utilisation of forest resources and to conserve the biodiversity, ecosystem services and water catchment areas they provide.
Forests absorb carbon and stabilise the climate. Their roots prevent soil erosion and enrich soils. The forest ecosystem creates clouds that bring rain and stores water to fill Zambia’s rivers. Through these processes forests create the conditions necessary to grow crops to feed the population and support agribusiness. Protecting Zambia’s Forest Reserves is as much about protecting Zambian lives, livelihoods and national food security as it is about protecting trees.
Our Work
Forest Protection
North Swaka Trust works in partnership with the Forestry Department of Zambia and the local community to reduce illegal activity in the North Swaka and Mkushi Headwaters Forest Reserves. NST’s forest scouts patrol hundreds of kilometers every day to support the Mkushi Forestry Department. Together we have reduced illegal activity in the Forest Reserves by 85%.
Community Reforestation
Forest protection only works when communities see more value in protecting trees than in cutting them down. Working in partnership with Mkushi’s Traditional Leadership and local communities, North Swaka Trust implements community projects aimed at building livelihood opportunities that incentivise forest protection and reforestation.
Assisted Natural Regeneration
North Swaka Trust promotes Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) in areas of the forest that have been degraded. ANR promotes the growth of indigenous trees which are well-suited to the local environment and contribute to the restoration of a diverse and resilient ecosystem. North Swaka Trust’s ANR project actively involves forest communities in the restoration process and creates local employment.
News & Updates
