"The National Prosecution Authority has partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature Zambia to strengthen the prosecution of environmental and wildlife crimes. The collaboration aims to improve enforcement and build institutional capacity against offences such as wildlife trafficking and illegal logging."
By Sharon Siame
The National Prosecution Authority –NPA- has partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature –WWF- Zambia to strengthen the prosecution of environmental and wildlife crimes in the country.
The partnership seeks to improve environmental law enforcement and strengthen the capacity of institutions to deal with offences such as wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, water pollution and the unlawful exploitation of natural resources.
Director of Public Prosecutions –DPP- GILBERT PHIRI says the partnership will provide specialised training for prosecutors, investigators, judicial officers and technical experts to improve the handling of environmental crime cases.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Lusaka today, Mr. PHIRI said the agreement will also promote information sharing, research, better evidence management and access to technical expertise and expert witnesses.
He said the NPA has established an Environmental and Wildlife Crime Department to address the specialised knowledge required to prosecute such offences effectively.
Meanwhile, WWF Zambia Director of Conservation AGNESS CHINYAMA said cooperation among law enforcement agencies, Government institutions and conservation organisations is important in tackling environmental crimes.
Ms. CHINYAMA said the partnership will also promote environmental awareness, support policy reforms and strengthen environmental governance.
Originally published by ZNBC News
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