Chana calls for joint efforts to combat wildlife crimes

ARUSHA: WILDLIFE crime has been identified as closely linked to global criminal networks that exploit technology, corruption and transborder crimes.

These remarks were made by the new President of the 14th Governing Council Meeting of Parties to the Lusaka Agreement, Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana, during a session held in Arusha recently.

Dr Chana assumed the position for a two-year term, succeeding Rebecca Miano, the Minister for Natural Resources in Kenya, who served as the 13th President of the Governing Council.

Dr Chana said that wildlife and forest crimes are not just environment issues but also governance challenges, security threats and economic risks.

“I urge all member states to support the Lusaka Task Force. Let us strengthen our intelligence networks, increase joint operations and fully leverage regional information systems to drive progress,” Dr Chana said.

“We must invest in innovation, not only in technology but also in governance models that empower communities, deter criminals and reward stewardship,” she said.

Dr Chana called for all member states to unite with a common voice, asserting that Africa will not be a playground for international trafficking syndicates.

She reminded them of their responsibility to ensure that the world knows Africa is not only rising but also safeguarding its future, as they are the guardians of the continent’s wildlife and forest heritage.

In another development, Dr Chana commended the efforts of President Samia Suluhu Hassan in combating wildlife and forest crimes in Tanzania.

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For her part, the outgoing President, Ms Rebecca Miano, stressed the importance of the meeting, noting that wildlife and forest trafficking has become increasingly sophisticated.

She said that lawlessness represents a significant threat to the integrity of Africa’s natural legacy.

“Beyond convening here to review reports and progress, we are also here to reaffirm that the sovereignty of our natural resources remains strong and to firmly reject lawlessness and indifference,” Ms Miano said.

On his part, Mr Edward Phiri, the Director of the Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF), highlighted the expansion of their network of partners, which has unlocked new opportunities for capacity building and technologydriven enforcement in the coming year.

Meanwhile, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Representative, Mr Robert Wabunoa noted that the Lusaka Agreement stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration in the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife and flora in Africa.

He remarked that it is a testament to the power of cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing one of the most pressing environment challenges of their time.

Additionally, Mr Benedict Wakulyamba, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and Commissioner of Policy said that the Lusaka Agreement serves as a vital framework for fostering cooperation among member states and other stakeholders in combating wildlife crime across the region.