THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE 7 GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLANS LAUNCH

The Minister on Friday, May 15, 2026, officially launched seven General Management Plans (GMPs) covering key protected areas, including Lusaka National Park, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, West Lunga National Park, the Kafue Flats Landscape, Mulobezi Game Management Area, Sichifulo Game Management Area, and an addendum to the Lunga-Luswishi Game Management Area. The outgoing Minister of Tourism, Mr. Rodney Sikumba, said the newly launched GMPs signal a shift toward balancing wildlife conservation with tourism-led economic growth. He emphasized that Zambia’s tourism sector is expected to grow into a billion-dollar industry by 2030, supported by improved planning and sustainable resource management. Ministry of Tourism Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms. Vivien Ndhlovu, noted that the development of the GMPs was made possible through strong collaboration between Government and cooperating partners. She explained that the plans are essential for strengthening the protection, management, and sustainable use of national parks and Game Management Areas. Acting Director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Mr. Jones Masonde, stated that the GMPs will enhance conservation efforts while improving the long-term management of protected ecosystems across the country. Representing cooperating partners, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Director, Ms. Agnes Chinyama, described the launch as a major milestone in aligning wildlife conservation with community livelihoods and sustainable tourism development. She further noted that the step-by-step planning approach reflects strong leadership, technical expertise, and effective partnerships in conservation planning. Senior Chief Nalubamba of Namwala District also reaffirmed the commitment of traditional leaders to support government efforts in protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable management of wildlife and ecosystems.