WPAZ 2025 Newsletter January to June
The Quarter in Review
As of June 2025, WPAZ has a total of fifty (50) paid-up members, of which forty-four
(44) are full members, and six (6) are associate members. We thank all members for their continued commitment. To support the smooth running of the Association, we encourage all members to ensure their membership fees are up to date.
A reminder to members who have not yet submitted their annual returns to DNPW, this is a mandatory compliance requirement for operating within the wildlife industry. Members are encouraged to prioritise this submission as part of maintaining good standing.
DNPW Fee Changes
DNPW has officially revised its fee structure. All members are urged to familiarise themselves
with the new fees and begin using them immediately. Click here to view the updated
fee schedule.
Additionally, those applying for an outfitter’s license must apply through the Zamportal platform, which is the official channel for license applications.
HIGHLIGHTS
Driving change through advocacy
ZNFU Farm security and stakeholders met to discuss farm security
WPAZ facilitates an exchange visit
Promoting peer learning and strengthening community-led conservation efforts.
New partnership
WPAZ signs MoU with FZS to enhance collaboration on sustainable wildlife management and community conservation initiatives
WPAZ welcomes new team members
Bringing fresh energy and expertise to support the growth of Zambia’s wildlife economy.
Strengthening the Future of Game Ranching: Key Highlights from the 2025 WPAZ AGM
On 27 March 2025, the Wildlife Producers Association of Zambia (WPAZ) successfully hosted its Annual General Meeting, drawing 28 key participants, including representatives from DNPW, CIFOR-ICRAF, WCP, ZCRBA, ZNFU, and TCZ.
Key resolutions from the AGM include:
Mapping A comprehensive mapping of game ranches and protected areas will begin, enhancing conservation visibility.
Members are urged to report all poaching-related incidents directly to the WPAZ Secretariat, while also ensuring that such cases are formally lodged with the Zambia Police. For guidance on legal prosecution procedures, members are encouraged to consult Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP).
WPAZ will lobby for the introduction of a single licensing system to ease the operational burden on game ranchers. It will also advocate for all ranchers to submit their annual returns on time to promote accountability and regulatory compliance across the sector.
Driving change through advocacy
As part of its continued advocacy efforts, WPAZ participated in both internal and stakeholder meetings of the ZNFU Farm Security Committee. The discussions focused on improving legal protection for farmers and wildlife producers. Key outcomes included:
- Tougher laws on stock theft: WPAZ supports efforts to lobby for stock theft to become a non-bailable offense, addressing loopholes where first-time offenders are often released without sufficient consequences.
- Expanding the definition of "stock": Current legislation excludes chickens and game animals from the definition of “stock,” leaving a legal gap for wildlife and poultry farmers. Encouragingly, His Excellency the President of Zambia has committed to amending the law to include these animals.
- Support for Zambia Police Service (ZPS): While 156 districts received new police vehicles last year, inadequate funding for fuel and maintenance remains a challenge. There is a need to increase budgetary support to ZPS at both the national and district levels.
- Crackdown on Illegal trade: The committee is advocating for the introduction of district- level bylaws to regulate illegal butcheries, abattoirs, and scrap metal dealers, which continue to threaten both livestock and wildlife security.
- Community sensitisation: Plans are underway to hold sensitisation meetings for farming communities on how judicial processes work. The Zambia Police will be invited to participate and provide guidance on legal procedures and enforcement.
Building capacity for Community Based Organisations
As part of the CIFOR-ICRAF grant, with support from the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, from 27th to 28th May 2025, WPAZ facilitated an exchange visit for the Mize Community Conservancy to Ntambu Game Ranch, one of the most successful community game ranches in Zambia and a proud member of WPAZ. This peer-to-peer learning experience provided a valuable opportunity for community leaders to connect, share lessons, and exchange knowledge on the development and management of community game ranches. The main goals of the visit were to promote mutual learning between Mize and Ntambu, explore local enterprise models tied to conservation such as honey processing and game meat production, and to strengthen relationships and collaboration among community leaders.
Strenghtening partnership
In March 2025, WPAZ and Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) took an exciting step forward by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening community-led conservation.
Through this partnership, both organisations will work closely to support local communities, provide technical expertise, and collaborate on initiatives that promote a thriving wildlife economy. This MoU marks the beginning of a shared journey to unlock the full potential of conservation as a pathway for sustainable development and improved livelihoods.
WPAZ Shapes Future of Wildlife Education at Copperbelt University
On 12–13 June 2025, WPAZ participated in a Curriculum Review Workshop hosted by the Copperbelt University (CBU) School of Natural Resources in Kitwe. Represented by Program Manager Chaliafya Katungula, WPAZ provided key input to align CBU’s revised academic programs with national conservation priorities, including the 8NDP, Vision 2030, and SDG 15.
WPAZ submitted position papers on the BSc Wildlife Management and BSc Global Conservation and Sustainable Development programs, recommending practical enhancements such as modules on game ranching, drone surveillance, business modeling, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
A significant outcome was the proposal to formalize a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which would allow WPAZ members to support CBU’s teaching, research, and internship efforts. Discussions are ongoing, and members will be updated on next steps.
Championing OECM Integration in Zambia’s Biodiversity Strategy
From 19–20 June 2025, WPAZ actively participated in the National Dialogue on Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), hosted in Chilanga by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources with support from TNC and WWF. The dialogue focused on aligning Zambia’s conservation efforts with the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30x30 target.
WPAZ, represented by Program Manager Chaliafya Katungula, emphasized the role of OECMs such as community game ranches and private wildlife estates in complementing protected areas and advancing sustainable land use. Key contributions included identifying potential OECM sites like the Barotse Floodplain, supporting ecological connectivity, and promoting community-led conservation through governance models like CRBs.
The workshop addressed legislative and data gaps while highlighting opportunities to integrate OECMs into national policies. WPAZ is committed to revising its Terms of Reference to incorporate OECM strategies and continue supporting biodiversity goals through sustainable wildlife value chains.
WPAZ Drives Legal Game Ranching in Zambia’s Smart Tourism Vision
From 25–27 June 2025, WPAZ
participated in the STED Technical and Policy Foresight Workshop in Livingstone, organized by the ILO and ZFE under the EU-funded Skills Development Programme.
Represented by Program Manager Chaliafya Katungula, WPAZ advocated for consumptive eco- tourism, highlighting legal game ranching and wildlife photography as key drivers of sustainable tourism, job creation, and biodiversity conservation.
WPAZ’s input helped shape the draft Tourism Sector Skills Strategy, recommending training in:
Legal game ranching (wildlife management, ethical harvesting, value chains) Wildlife photography for global biodiversity promotion
Digital marketing and data analytics for tourism
The workshop, supported by ILO and the Ministry of Tourism leadership, emphasized Zambia’s smart-tourism future powered by AI, innovation, and inclusive skills development. WPAZ’s contributions align with efforts to harmonize training at institutions like LIBES and Bedrock Africa.
No one will protect our heritage for us, we must do it ourselves
Chief Ntambu: A Voice of Wisdom and Leadership in Community Conservation
Chief Ntambu of North-Western Province has become a powerful advocate for community-led conservation, transforming Mtambo Chiefdom from a poaching hotspot into a model of ecological restoration. During a recent exchange visit with representatives from Mize Conservancy, he shared how mobilizing youth, forming key partnerships, and reviving traditional stewardship helped restore the area’s natural resources. Despite early challenges, including lack of government support, Chief Ntambu’s efforts led to formalised patrols and collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. He emphasized that conservation is not just environmental but spiritual and cultural, rooted in reclaiming community ownership. As he reminded the visiting delegation
Tracy Chilombo Kamoto
Finance and Administration Manager
Tracy Chilombo Kamoto, our Finance and Administration Manager, is a dynamic and results-driven finance and accounting professional with a strong track record in financial management, analysis, and reporting. With experience spanning multinational corporations to startups, Tracy brings deep expertise in financial modelling, forecasting, tax planning, and ERP systems. Her commitment to ethical leadership and sustainable growth makes her a valuable addition to our team and mission.
Chaliafya Katungula
Programme Manager
Chaliafya Katungula, our Programme Manager, has been a driving force behind sustainable forest and wildlife conservation in Zambia. His career spans grassroots advocacy, regulatory leadership, and national policy engagement, reflecting a deep commitment to ethical natural resource management. He has held key roles in both government and civil society, where he championed integrated approaches to conservation and rural development. His work connects forest health, wildlife protection, and rural livelihoods in a holistic way. Katungula’s efforts continue to shape a more resilient, biodiverse, and sustainable future for Zambia.
PAZ Gets on wheels
WPAZ is excited to announce that the Association has officially acquired its first vehicle, a major step forward in strengthening our field operations, member outreach, and on-site support services.
This development marks a new chapter for the Association, enabling the Secretariat to more efficiently conduct ranch visits, attend national engagements, and respond to members' needs in real time.
A Message from our Chairman: Ian Robinson
On behalf of the WPAZ Executive Committee, I would like to sincerely thank all our partners for their continued support in helping us achieve our core mission.
We look forward to strengthening our collaboration as we continue to promote the growth of the wildlife economy through the advancement of Private and Community Wildlife Estates