Lusaka, Zambia – The Ministry of Tourism is in the process of reviewing the Zambia Wildlife Act of 2015 with a focus on enhancing protections for wildlife and strengthening measures against wildlife-related crimes. Director of National Parks and Wildlife, Dominic Chiinda, disclosed that the Ministry is considering several amendments aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Act.
One of the key proposed changes involves making poaching and all wildlife-related offenses non-bailable. Mr. Chiinda emphasized that such a provision would act as a strong deterrent against illegal activities, including poaching and trafficking in endangered species.
“This proposed amendment would ensure that individuals caught engaging in wildlife crimes would face immediate legal consequences, without the possibility of bail,” Chiinda explained. “This move is designed to send a clear message that Zambia will not tolerate poaching or any activities that threaten our wildlife.”
In addition to the non-bailable offenses, the Ministry is also looking into introducing new incentives to encourage better enforcement of the law and support conservation efforts. These incentives would aim to empower authorities, enhance coordination among wildlife enforcement agencies, and increase public awareness of the importance of protecting Zambia’s rich biodiversity.
Chiinda further highlighted that the new amendments would be carefully crafted to ensure that law enforcement agencies are equipped with the necessary tools to effectively combat wildlife crime. This includes bolstering their capacity for investigation and prosecution, as well as strengthening collaboration with regional and international wildlife protection bodies.
The revision of the Zambia Wildlife Act is part of broader efforts to address the rising threat of poaching, which has long been a concern for the country. Zambia is home to a diverse range of species, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, many of which are increasingly targeted by poachers driven by the lucrative illegal wildlife trade.
Authorities are hopeful that the revised law will not only curb poaching but also safeguard Zambia’s natural heritage for future generations.
Conservationists have generally welcomed the Ministry’s efforts, noting that strong legislative measures are critical in the fight against wildlife crime. However, they also stress the importance of providing adequate resources for enforcement, as well as creating sustainable community-based conservation programs to mitigate the root causes of poaching.
As Zambia continues to grapple with wildlife crime, the forthcoming changes to the Zambia Wildlife Act are seen as a crucial step toward safeguarding the country’s unique ecosystems and wildlife populations.
