World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Zambia) has described the Judiciary’s proposal to establish a specialized Lands and Environment Court, as a significant step toward strengthening environmental governance, improving access to justice, and promoting the sustainable management of Zambia’s natural resources.
The Organization has also hailed Government’s commitment to science-based wildlife management, describing the development as an important step towards strengthening environmental governance and protecting Zambia’s natural heritage.
Recently, Chief Justice Mumba Malila, announced the Judiciary’s plans to establish a Lands and Environment Court in an effort to address the growing number and complexity of land and environmental disputes in the country.
WWF Zambia Country Director, Nalucha Nganga-Ziba said the two developments reflect the growing 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.
“WWF Zambia welcomes the Judiciary’s proposal to establish a specialized Lands and Environment Court. The announcement by Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila reflects the increasing complexity of land and environmental disputes and the need for dedicated expertise to address such matters effectively and efficiently.,” Ms. Ziba stated.
She 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 operationalized.
Ms. Ziba stated that timely and informed justice remains essential, as Zambia continues to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
She said a specialized court has the potential to enhance environmental law enforcement, protect ecosystems, promote sustainable land use, and improve the resolution of environmental and land-related disputes.
She added that the proposed court would enhance environmental accountability by improving the handling of environmental and land-related cases. “A specialized Lands and Environment Court will strengthen environmental justice and support sustainable natural resource management through informed and efficient adjudication of environmental matters,” she added. “WWF Zambia Supports Government’s Science-Based Approach to Sustainable Wildlife Management.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Ziba expressed the organization’s support for Government’s position that wildlife hunting may be suspended where scientific assessments indicate declining animal populations requiring recovery.
She noted that healthy wildlife populations are critical to ecosystems, tourism, community livelihoods, and national development, further calling for continued collaboration among Government, communities, traditional leaders, conservation partners, researchers, and the private sector in advancing sustainable conservation efforts. “WWF Zambia strongly supports the Government’s commitment to making wildlife management decisions based on scientific evidence,” Ms. Ziba said.
The Country Director said 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 added.
She further recognized the important role that local communities play in wildlife monitoring and conservation, stressing that community observations and participation in conservation programmes provide valuable information that complements scientific research and strengthens wildlife management decisions.
Ms. Ziba called for continued collaboration among Government, local communities, traditional leaders, conservation partners, researchers, and the private sector to improve wildlife monitoring systems and ensure 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. We commend the Government for prioritizing science and sustainability in its decision-making,” she stated.
