The Zambian Government in cooperation with the British Government are working together in preventing illegal wildlife trade as it is crucial in Zambia’s conservation efforts.
Speaking during the opening of the second phase of the joint anti-poaching training to be conducted by the British Military in Kafue National Park yesterday, Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Patrick Lungu said the joint effort will significantly reduce the risk to wildlife crime.
Mr Lungu said the country will be in a position to preserve its wildlife resource for present and future generations.
He said the efforts by the Government of Zambia through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the defense and security wings, cooperating partners and other conservationists, provide the much-needed security and protection.
Mr Lungu said it is for this reason the Government of the United Kingdom and that of Zambia agreed to extend the cooperation in anti-poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
And Anti- Poaching Task Force Chairperson Col William Kakoma said the joint defense teams have a role to support wildlife conservation in the country.
And Department of National Parks and Wildlife Director Dr Chuma Simukonda said the Kafue National Park is under pressure and needs urgently protection by working together with other armed forces.
He said this is the sure way of making the park economically meaning to the country.
Meanwhile, British Army representative Major David Pumphrey said the Navy wants to role in the prevention of the corrosion of poaching on the Kafue which described as ‘beautiful wildlife sanctity.’
He said his team was stunned at the beauty of such landscapes in Zambia.