Gov’t calls for international collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade

The Ministry of Tourism has called for increased international cooperation to address the growing issue of illegal wildlife trade.

Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga, voiced concerns over the escalating global scale of this illegal activity, particularly the unprecedented poaching levels of African elephants and rhinos.

Speaking at a CITES training workshop for the African region on Wednesday in Lusaka at Pamodzi Hotel, Muhanga highlighted that the crisis extended beyond these iconic species, affecting many others due to rising human populations and habitat loss.

“The demand for land in areas with Africa’s most intact wildlife populations necessitates a collective and strategic approach to conservation and wildlife protection,” Muhanga stated.

He stated that the illegal wildlife trade poses a serious threat to numerous species and called for initiatives to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products.

Muhanga called for strategic approaches focused on enhancing anti-poaching and anti-trafficking enforcement efforts.

He assured that the government was ready to lead in reducing demand and ensuring that national legislation related to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) is effectively implemented and enforced.

James Wakaiga, the Country Director for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), echoed Muhanga’s call for international collaboration.

Alaina stressed the need for unified efforts to repair ecosystem damage and increase awareness about the impacts of illegal trade.

He underscored that combating wildlife trafficking is a complex battle that requires robust collaborative actions.

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