As a leading conservation organization championing environmental protection, WWF Zambia commends the Zambian government through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development for the bold decision on cancellation of the mining license number 15547-HQ-LML, which permitted mining activities within the Lower Zambezi National Park.
WWF does not support mining within protected areas that fall in the IUCN categories I–IV. WWF does not oppose mining in non-protected areas; however, such mining must be conducted responsibly and sustainably so as not to cause a net loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation.
WWF recognizes the significant benefits that mining can bring to the country; responsible mining could be part of the solution to poverty as it is an engine of economic and social development.
WWF Zambia Country Director Nalucha Nganga-Ziba states ‘‘As a leading people and nature conservation organization, protected areas have been central to our work for 40 years, starting with a focus on endangered species, likening to the matter of mining within National Parks, our position regarding mining in protected areas remains unchanged since our prior statement issued May 30, 2023.
We therefore would like to restate that as WWF Zambia, we do not support mining projects within any protected areas that are classified as an IUCN protected area category I–IV.
Lower Zambezi National Park is classified as an IUCN category II protected area, we therefore unequivocally state that no mining should be permitted in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Its utilization should be restricted to scientific research, tourism development, and the preservation of its natural and cultural conservation.’’
Mrs. Ziba said WWF and other civil society organizations took a lead role in highlighting the negative environmental impacts the mine would have, not only on the land, and water sources but also the hostile devastating effects the mining activities would have on the people who depend on it for their survival income generation.
“It is without a doubt known that the mining sector is the mainstay of Zambia’s economy, however, the government as chief policy maker must remain unbiased by not allowing illegalities in the name of creating a conducive business environment for foreign direct investments, especially in situations that place nature and people at high risk,” she said.
WWF Zambia recognizes that many countries, especially the least developed, are in urgent need to boost their National incomes, however, mining should take place where it does not pose long-lasting threats to people, nature, the environment and cultures.
We opine that a Cumulative Impact Assessment must be undertaken before any extraction licenses are granted.
In endorsing initiatives of this nature which link sustainable rural development with biodiversity and protected areas—we recognize that additional efforts are required to generate revenue for rural communities via natural capital and market mechanisms.