By Mwaka Mwansa
SERENJE, July 10, 2025 — The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has raised alarm over the growing threat of nature-based crimes, warning that illegal mining and wildlife trafficking are costing Zambia up to K50 million daily in lost revenue.
Speaking during a training session for Community Environmental Social Auditors in Serenje District, CEJ Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Haggai Nyambe applauded government efforts to curb environmental crimes but warned more must be done to address exploitation by foreign interests.
“These crimes are driven by greed, with no regard for sustainability or the wellbeing of local communities,” Nyambe said. “For example, ivory from poached elephants is trafficked through Tanzania to China, robbing Zambia of both wildlife and potential tourism earnings.”
He also cited illegal mining as a major contributor to environmental degradation and financial loss for local councils and the central government.
Nyambe emphasized the importance of community involvement in environmental protection. “The encroachment on protected land is displacing wildlife, causing human-animal conflict, and undermining conservation,” he said.
The CEJ training, supported by the Resilience Fund and the U.S. Department of State, is part of broader efforts to build local capacity in monitoring and reporting environmental crimes.
CEJ urged stakeholders to remain vigilant and strengthen collaboration to protect Zambia’s natural heritage for future generations.
