SIKUMBA ASSURES EASTERN PROVINCE CHIEFS OF POLICY REFORMS TO ADDRESS WILDLIFE CHALLENGES

SIKUMBA ASSURES EASTERN PROVINCE CHIEFS OF POLICY REFORMS TO ADDRESS WILDLIFE CHALLENGES

Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, has assured traditional leaders in Eastern Province that the new Community Based Natural Resources Management Policy and the repeal of the Wildlife Act will effectively address the ongoing challenges in their respective chiefdoms.

Speaking at an engagement meeting with 23 chiefs from protected areas in Eastern Province, Mr. Sikumba emphasized that the new policy would empower communities to better understand and benefit from the natural resources in their regions.

“Through this policy, their royal highnesses will understand how their subjects can benefit from the resources around them. Embedded in it also is how to address wildlife-human conflict,” Mr. Sikumba stated.

The Minister highlighted that the revisions in wildlife legislation and policy are crucial for mitigating the increasing cases of wildlife-human conflict. He stressed that the management of wildlife and natural resources is a collaborative effort involving the government, communities, and traditional leaders.

“This is a tripartite approach. When you talk about the Zambia Wildlife and Protected Areas Bill, it speaks to the aspirations of the chiefs, the community, and government,” he explained.

Mr. Sikumba urged the traditional leaders to take ownership of the new wildlife and protected areas legislation, which he believes will help them address the many challenges affecting their regions. He also called on Members of Parliament to support the Bill when it is presented before the House, noting that it includes provisions for compensation to victims of wildlife-human conflict and measures to prevent encroachment into protected areas.

Responding to concerns from some chiefs about encroachment by hunting outfitters from neighboring chiefdoms, Mr. Sikumba assured them that his ministry, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, will address hunting block boundary conflicts.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, Senior Chief Lwembe expressed gratitude to the government for involving them in seeking solutions to the challenges of managing resources in Game Management Areas. He also called on the Ministries of Lands and Local Government and Rural Development to assist in resolving boundary conflicts among chiefdoms.

During his visit to Eastern Province, the Minister toured protected areas and met with chiefs from Nyimba, Petauke, Mambwe, Lumezi, and Chama, concluding with a consultative meeting in Chipata to gain firsthand insights into the challenges faced in these regions.