WILDLIFE PROTECTION CRUCIAL, SAYS TOURISM PS

THEcooperation with the British Government in preventing illegal wildlife trade is crucial in Zambia’s conservation efforts, says Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Patrick Lungu

Mr Lungu said the joint effort would significantly reduce the risk to wildlife crime and the country would be in a position to preserve the wildlife resource for present and future generations.

He was speaking during the opening of the second phase of the joint anti-poaching training to be conducted by the British Military at Chunga School Training Grounds in Kafue National Park.

Mr Lungu said the efforts from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the defence and security wings, cooperating partners and other conservationists, would provide the much-needed security and protection.

He said it is for this reason the British government and Zambia agreed to extend the cooperation in anti-poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

Meanwhile, Anti- Poaching Task Force Chairperson, William Kakoma, said the joint defence teams had a role to support wildlife conservation in the country.

And Department of National Parks and Wildlife Director, Chuma Simukonda, said the Kafue National Park was under pressure and needed urgently protection.

Meanwhile, British Army representative Major David Humphrey said the Navy would play a role in the prevention of poaching in the Kafue which described as ‘ beautiful wildlife sanctity.’

He said his team was stunned at the beauty of such landscape in Zambia.