Govt urged to come up with wildlife crimes fast track court

Nature Conservancy Zambia has called on government to come up with a fast track court to deal with wildlife crimes so that they are persecuted expeditiously.

Country Director Dr. Victor Siamudaala says there is need to stop wildlife crime in the country and advance wildlife conservation.

Speaking during a panel discussion on Zambia’s economy focusing on wildlife and tourism in Lusaka today, Dr. Siamudaala says government must allow other stakeholders to play their role in ensuring that they help the community to be part and parcel of the strengthening of the governance system.

Dr. Siamudaala says wildlife conservation without the involvement of the communities is unsustainable.

He says wildlife conservation can attract tourists that bring in the much needed foreign exchange and generate employment and government revenue, ultimately reducing poverty.

Mr Siamudaala notes that tourism is one of the strongest drivers of world trade and prosperity, stressing that investment promotion in the tourism sector should take centre stage in Zambia’s investment promotion efforts.

And speaking at the same event, Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Stephen Mwansa says government is worried that the country is losing wildlife resources at an alarming rate.

Mr. Mwansa has reiterated that there is need for all Zambians to change their mindsets that every animal should be killed for food.

And United States Ambassador to Zambia Erick Schultz says the purpose of the wildlife and tourism policy discussions is to think of what policy changes Zambia could consider to realize the country’s potential as a tourism destination.

Mr. Schultz says that properly managed wildlife is a natural renewable resource that attracts jobs, government revenue and foreign exchange.

He says tourism is a critical sector for Zambia’s economic diversification plan that requires thriving wildlife habitats.