WWF Zambia backs specialised court for land, environmental disputes

WWF Zambia has welcomed the proposal to establish a specialised Lands and Environment Court and the Government’s commitment to science-based wildlife management, describing both developments as important steps towards strengthening environmental governance and protecting Zambia’s natural heritage.

WWF Zambia said the developments highlight the importance of strong institutions, evidence-based decision-making and effective environmental stewardship in ensuring that Zambia’s natural resources continue to support livelihoods, economic growth, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

The organisation welcomed the Judiciary’s proposal for a specialised Lands and Environment Court, saying it could strengthen environmental governance, improve access to justice and promote the sustainable management of natural resources.

The announcement by Chief Justice Dr Mumba Malila, WWF Zambia said, reflects the increasing complexity of land and environmental disputes and the need for dedicated expertise to address such matters effectively and efficiently.

WWF Zambia noted that while the 2016 Constitution provides for the establishment of a Lands Commission to address matters relating to land administration and jurisdiction, the Commission has yet to be fully operationalised.

WWF Zambia Country Director Nalucha Nganga-Ziba said the proposed court could enhance environmental accountability by improving the handling of land and environmental cases.

“A specialised Lands and Environment Court will strengthen environmental justice and support sustainable natural resource management through informed and efficient adjudication of environmental matters,” she said.

WWF Zambia Backs Science-Based Wildlife Management

WWF Zambia has also expressed support for the Government’s position that wildlife hunting may be suspended where scientific assessments indicate declining animal populations that require time to recover.

The organisation said healthy wildlife populations are critical to ecosystems, tourism, community livelihoods and national development.

Ms Nganga-Ziba said wildlife management decisions should be based on scientific evidence, including regular monitoring of wildlife populations.

“Sustainable conservation requires that wildlife populations are regularly monitored and that appropriate interventions are implemented when data indicates a decline. Where species need time to recover, temporary hunting suspensions can be an important conservation tool to safeguard biodiversity for future generations,” she said.

WWF Zambia also recognised the role of local communities in wildlife monitoring and conservation, noting that community observations and participation in conservation programmes can complement scientific research and strengthen wildlife management decisions.

The organisation called for continued collaboration among Government, communities, traditional leaders, conservation partners, researchers and the private sector to improve wildlife monitoring and support the long-term sustainability of Zambia’s wildlife resources.

“Wildlife is one of Zambia’s greatest natural assets and contributes positively and significantly to tourism, community livelihoods and national development,” Ms Nganga-Ziba said.

She commended the Government for prioritising science and sustainability in its decision-making, adding that conservation success requires balancing ecological integrity with economic and social considerations while ensuring that wildlife populations remain healthy and resilient.

WWF Zambia said strengthening environmental governance alongside science-based conservation would help secure a future in which both people and nature can thrive.