Lusaka | August 13, 2026 – The Learned Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, yesterday, August 12, 2026, received a delegation from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia, who paid a courtesy call on him at the National Prosecution Authority Headquarters.

The WWF delegation, led by Ms. Nalucha Nganga-Ziba, Country Director, was at the NPA to explore areas of possible collaboration and partnership in capacity building issues of strengthening the prosecution of environmental and wildlife crimes in Zambia.

During the meeting, the two institutions discussed the growing threat of environmental crimes, including illegal wildlife trafficking, illegal timber trade, capacity building issues of research and evidence gathering, and other crimes that threaten Zambia’s biodiversity and natural heritage.

In his remarks, the Learned Director of Public Prosecutions welcomed the delegation and restated the Authority’s commitment to combating environmental crimes. He noted that crimes against nature have far-reaching economic, social and ecological consequences and require a multi-sectoral approach.

The DPP stated that the NPA remains committed to ensuring that environmental crimes are prosecuted firmly and fairly. He stated further that protecting Zambia’s natural resources is not just an environmental issue, it is a matter of national security and economic survival.

Partnerships with institutions like WWF are vital in building the capacity of the NPA’s prosecutors and enhancing the effective enforcement of wildlife and environmental laws.

On their part, WWF commended the NPA under the leadership of the Learned DPP for its continued efforts in upholding the rule of law and expressed keen interest in supporting capacity building initiatives for prosecutors handling wildlife and environmental cases, technical assistance, and information sharing.

The two parties agreed to continue engagements.

The Learned DPP was in the company of the Chief State Advocate, Mrs Chali Mbewe-Hambayi, Deputy Chief State Advocate (DCSA) in charge of the Environmental and Wildlife Crimes Department, Mrs Martha Tembo-Weza, DCSA in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Director, Ms. Makumba Gwendoline Kashishi, and State Advocate in the ODPP, Ms. Ruth Mwangulukulu