In a moment that signalled collaboration and shared purpose, the Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) officially handed over the, “Illegal Wildlife Trade in the Court Room: Zambia Trends Report (2017–2024)” to the learned Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, during a formal launch event held in the National Prosecution Authority Conference Room this afternoon.

The report, the first of its kind in Zambia, captures seven years of data from over 5,000 wildlife-related cases prosecuted across the country. But more than the numbers, the launch marked a growing national commitment to prosecuting environmental crime with precision and purpose.

Among its key findings, the report shows that the overall conviction rate for wildlife offences between 2017 and 2024 was 79%, with annual rates ranging from 65% to 87%. While there were some fluctuations including a dip in 2020 likely linked to COVID-19-related disruptions. The data reflects a clear upward trend over the years, pointing to steady improvements in prosecutorial outcomes.

Receiving the report, the learned DPP, described it as a critical resource that not only documents progress but drives it.

“This report tells a story of progress, of partnership, and of the challenges that remain,” he said. “We remain committed to strengthening our capacity and ensuring justice is not only done, but seen to be done for both people and planet.”

The report was compiled by WCP’s Wildlife Criminal Justice team, in collaboration with the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, under a formal memorandum of understanding. It analyses prosecution trends, conviction rates, and sentencing outcomes and highlights the impact of justice sector initiatives such as rapid-reference tools, courtroom mentorship, and inter-agency field visits.

Offering remarks during the handover, Sarah Davis, Co-founder and Justice & Awareness Director at WCP, commended the scale of work being carried out by the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), especially in the face of growing environmental threats:

“Zambia is such a big nation, and DPP, you have such a huge task on your shoulders,” she said.

“Our interest is in wildlife and the environment and in helping protect these natural resources so they remain for future generations. Wildlife is under threat from organised criminal networks, and this report shows both the magnitude of that threat, and the progress the NPA is making. We hope we can support you in that task in every way possible.”

She praised the improvements in conviction rates and sentencing outcomes reflected in the report and offered WCP’s continued support to the NPA across the country. The event closed with words of appreciation from Mrs. Chali Hambayi, Deputy Chief State Advocate and head of the Gender-Based Crimes Department, who reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to cross-sector cooperation in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

This report will support continued efforts to strengthen Zambia’s capacity to respond to wildlife crime through data, partnership, and the rule of law.