• WWF Zambia commends the Zambian government for the bold decision on cancellation of the mining license.
• The license cancelation is a clear demonstration of Government’s good practice of mining compliance.
• WWF does not support mining within protected areas that fall in the IUCN categories I–IV.

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia has urged Government to ensure that no mining is permitted in the lower Zambezi National Park as it is a protected area.

Organization Country Director, Nalucha Ziba also advised government to remain unbiased by not allowing illegalities in the name of creating a conducive business environment for foreign direct investments.

Mrs. Ziba however applauded the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development for canceling a mining license in the Lower Zambezi National Park, stating that this is a clear demonstration of government’s good practice of mining compliance.

She said the Organization does not oppose mining activities in non-protected areas but activities should be done responsibly and sustainably in order to prevent biodiversity loss and Environmental degradation.

“As a leading conservation organization championing environmental protection, WWF Zambia commends the Zambian government through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development for the bold decision on cancellation of the mining license number 15547-HQ-LML, which permitted mining activities within the Lower Zambezi National Park.”

“WWF does not support mining within protected areas that fall in the IUCN categories I–IV. WWF does not oppose mining in non-protected areas; however, such mining must be conducted responsibly and sustainably so as not to cause a net loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation,” Mrs. Ziba stated.

She added that utilization of the National Park should be restricted to scientific research, tourism development, and the preservation of it’s natural as well as cultural conservation.

“WWF recognizes the significant benefits that mining can bring to the country; responsible mining could in fact be part of the solution to poverty as it is an engine of economic and social development.”

“Protected areas have been central to our work for 40 years, starting with a focus on endangered species, likening to the matter of mining within National Parks, our position regarding mining in protected areas remains unchanged since our prior statement issued May 30, 2023. We therefore would like to restate that as WWF Zambia, we do not support mining projects within any protected areas that are classified as an IUCN protected area category I–IV,” she added.

Mrs. Ziba further said the organization recognizes that many countries, especially the least developed, are in urgent need to boost their National incomes, but mining should take place where it does not pose long lasting threats to people, nature, the environment and cultures.

“We opine that a Cumulative Impact Assessment must be undertaken before any extraction licenses are granted. In endorsing initiatives of this nature, which link sustainable rural development with biodiversity and protected areas.”

“We recognize that additional efforts are required to generate revenue for rural communities via natural capital and market mechanisms,” Mrs. Ziba said.