Zambia is home to a diversity of wildlife species and serves as a source country for big cats, pangolins, hippos, reptile skins and tortoises. As a critical transit hub for export to international markets, Zambia’s transport is led by sophisticated criminal syndicates that traffic these commodities and threaten the rule of law, global economic and political stability.
In a bid to stem wildlife crime, AGA-Africa partnered with the Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Zambia to facilitate training in the area of Advanced Wildlife Crime and Investigative Techniques. The training workshop was held from 29th October 2022 to 5th November 2022.
The training brought together participants drawn from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the Zambia Police Service, as well as local and international subject matter experts from Zambia and the United States.
The training was officially opened by Moses Mwanza, AGA-Africa Events Coordinator for Zambia, who spoke on behalf of Markus Green, AGA-Africa, Board Member.
At the opening, Georgina Kamanga, Senior Investigations Officer, Department of National Parks and Wildlife delivered a keynote address on behalf of Andrew Chomba, Director, Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
The highly engaging sessions were facilitated by Shawn Karns, Executive Director, Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance, Stephanie Karns, Director of Operations, Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance, Jesse Paluch, Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance, Gracilia Mulenga, Principle State Advocate, Taxation and Financial Crimes Department, National Prosecution Authority, Matolase Phiri, Senior Investigations Officer, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Fred Chiyengele, Senior Investigations Officer, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Georgina Kamanga, Senior Investigations Officer, Department of National Parks and Wildlife and Charles Bwanga, Wildlife Acting Senior Investigations Officer, Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
On the last day of the training, the Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance team donated law enforcement equipment to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, aimed at supporting rangers in Zambia.
Lloyd Kabwela, Supervisor, Canine Unit and Rapid Deployment Team, Department of National Parks and Wildlife gave the vote of thanks. Edward Chilufya, Principal Warden, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, delivered closing remarks on behalf of Andrew Chomba, Director, Department of National Parks and Wildlife thanking all the participants.
The training was officially brought to a close by Moses Mwanza, AGA-Africa Events Coordinator for Zambia on behalf of Dr. Freda Mwamba-Brazle AGA-Africa Country Coordinator for Zambia.
