• It is important that the piece of legislation is amended.
• DNPW must utilize the window between now and September to reach consensus on the amendment.
• DNPW should appreciate the links between the wildlife act and other pieces of legislation.

Ministry of Tourism and Art says government has started the process of amending the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.

Speaking when he opened the workshop to consider proposed amendments to the Wildlife Act in Chilanga, Ministry Permanent Secretary Patrick Lungu said amending the Act will ensure that the intended objectives of the review process are achieved.

“It is important that the piece of legislation is amended so that the management of the country’s wildlife resources is fully aligned with Zambia’s long-term socio-economic development agenda,” Mr. Lungu said.

Mr. Lungu called on the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to utilize the window between now and September to reach consensus on the amendments and preparing a Layman’s Draft Bill, consideration of past and recent reforms within the wildlife sub-sector.

He urged DNPW to appreciate the links between the wildlife act and other pieces of legislation and the need to draw a clear line between what needs to be legislated and the matters that can be addressed through administrative means.

“It is important in order for Zambia to come up with a law that is progressive, responsive to the needs of all stakeholders and effective in supporting government’s intentions on wealth creation and improved livelihoods for the citizenry,” he added.

The tourism sector is listed as a priority sector on Government’s agenda to transform Zambia into a prosperous and middle-income country and the sector is expected to contribute to economic growth and diversification, rural development and job creation.