MINISTRY OF TOURISM REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO COMBATING WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING THROUGH “WORTH MORE ALIVE” CAMPAIGN

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) and Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP), today held an evaluation meeting on the “Worth More Alive” campaign, held at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA).

This critical meeting brought together senior government officials, conservation partners,Airlines and media stakeholders to reflect on the progress and impact of the campaign since its launch on 17th August 2022. The campaign was developed as a national response to the rising threat of wildlife trafficking, particularly through Zambia’s international airports.

Speaking during the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Evans Muhanga who was represented by Stewart Mukupa, Assistant Director-Human Resource and Administration, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, reaffirmed the Ministry’s strong stance on wildlife protection, underscoring the importance of multi-agency cooperation in tackling the complex networks involved in wildlife trafficking.

He praised the joint efforts of WCP, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and the Zambia Airports Corporation for launching and implementing a campaign that has significantly enhanced awareness and response capacity at Zambia’s international airports.

“This campaign is not just about wildlife it is about the kind of Zambia we want to build and pass on to future generations. Airports, once seen as transit points for illicit trade, are now platforms for awareness and accountability. The Ministry of Tourism remains committed to strengthening partnerships that safeguard our natural heritage.

Zambia’s iconic and endangered wildlife including elephants, pangolins, rhinos and big cats are integral to our ecological balance and national identity,they are worth more alive, not only in the wild but in our future.”

The meeting highlighted key milestones, including the installation of life-size sculptures of endangered species at KKIA, the rollout of multilingual educational materials across four International Airports Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport and Mfuwe Airport and the establishment of a wildlife crime hotline supported by on-site Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) officers.

And Zambia Airports Corporation Limited, Acting Managing Director, Mr. Zephania Sholobela, emphasized the importance of sustained awareness in aviation hubs:

“Zambia Airports Corporation is proud to be part of a campaign that brings conservation to the forefront of passenger experience. By integrating anti-trafficking messaging into our infrastructure, we are playing a vital role in the fight against wildlife crime. This is a shared responsibility that requires all stakeholders to remain actively engaged.”

These efforts aim to educate the public, deter traffickers and promote reporting of suspicious activities.

The campaign also pays homage to the legacy of Zambia’s founding president, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, by reinforcing the importance of conservation education and youth engagement, reminiscent of initiatives like the Chongololo Clubs.

The Ministry of Tourism applauds the results achieved so far and commits to scaling up collaborative efforts, enhancing enforcement mechanisms and reinforcing public engagement in order to create a national culture that values wildlife as a living legacy.

Issued by

Nelly Banda