Zambia Hosts International Resilience Dialogue to Combat Nature Crimes
Zambia has taken a leading role in the regional fight against environmental crimes by hosting the Resilience Dialogue in Africa: Zambia Edition in Serenje District, Central Province.
The international dialogue brought together community leaders, civil society, and policy experts to confront the growing threat of nature crimes such as illegal logging, illicit mining, wildlife trafficking, and unsanctioned land conversion.
The event was co-hosted by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), Decisive Minds, and Centre4Zero Waste and Development, with critical support from the Resilience Fund and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.
In remarks delivered on her behalf by CEJ Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Haggai Nyambe, CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mapalo Mwape emphasized the urgency of tackling nature crimes that weaken governance, endanger biodiversity, and threaten the livelihoods of local communities.
“Zambia, like many countries in the region, faces rising environmental crimes that compromise natural resource-dependent communities,” said Ms Mwape. “This dialogue is a bold step toward inclusive policymaking and resilience-building, anchored in the voices of frontline communities.”
The dialogue aimed to build a shared understanding of the impacts of nature crimes, promote detection and prevention strategies, and empower local actors through knowledge exchange and policy inclusion.
Ms Mwape reaffirmed that the strength of the dialogue lies in the lived experiences of affected communities and the collective will to protect nature and ensure justice.
Representing Serenje District Commissioner Paul Masuwa, District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Harry Silungwe warned that environmental crimes severely disrupt rural livelihoods, contaminate natural resources, and exploit vulnerable populations—especially youth.
He applauded President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration for prioritizing environmental sustainability and called for continued enforcement of strong policies to curb nature crimes.
The Serenje dialogue is part of a growing regional movement spearheaded by the Resilience Fund, following successful engagements in Kenya and Tanzania. With Zambia’s inclusion, the momentum to build climate-resilient, environmentally just societies in Africa continues to grow.
