Chama, 15 October 2025 — The Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Tourism, has officially launched the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme Legal Hub, a publicly accessible online platform designed to strengthen environmental governance and support community-led conservation.

Developed in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and CIFOR-ICRAF, and funded by the European Union, the Legal Hub consolidates Zambia’s laws and regulations related to wildlife management, land tenure, food safety, forestry, animal health, and ecotourism. Validated in April 2023, the platform was built using five legal diagnostic tools that mapped and assessed the country’s legal framework for sustainable wildlife management and customary law.

Empowering Communities and Policymakers

The Legal Hub aims to create an enabling environment for conservation initiatives like the Mize Community Conservancy in Southern Zambia, which promotes equitable benefits from wildlife recovery. By improving access to legal information, the platform supports evidence-based reforms that balance biodiversity protection with food security and livelihoods.

Minister of Tourism Hon. Rodney Sikumba hailed the launch as a milestone in Zambia’s commitment to sustainable development. “By enhancing access to laws and information, the Hub will empower communities and institutions to protect our biodiversity, secure food resources, and advance sustainable tourism,” he said.

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha emphasized the Hub’s role in strengthening the rule of law and environmental governance. Centered on the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015, the platform enhances transparency and empowers citizens to participate in conservation efforts.
Regional and Global Collaboration

Dr. Nyambe Nyambe of the KAZA Secretariat praised the Hub as a model for regional harmonization, linking conservation, food security, and community rights. FAO Representative Suze Filipini described the initiative as a cornerstone in aligning Zambia’s food security and conservation goals, while CIFOR-ICRAF’s Eng. Maimbo Malesu highlighted its role in equipping stakeholders with tools for sustainable management.

Dominic Chiinda, Director of National Parks and Wildlife, noted that the Hub will improve enforcement and legal compliance, enabling better protection of Zambia’s natural heritage.

A Vision for the Future

The SWM Programme Legal Hub reflects Zambia’s dedication to balancing development with conservation. By making legal frameworks more accessible and actionable, the country is paving the way for inclusive, sustainable management of its rich biodiversity—ensuring that natural resources continue to serve future generations.