By SANDRA MACHIMA
POACHING is a threat to the survival of many iconic species and negatively impacts livelihoods of those who live alongside them, Zambia Community Based-Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Forum coordinator Noah Chongo.
Mr Chongo said instead, the engagement of local communities was a critical element of effective strategies to tackle poaching in Zambia.
According to a survey, there were differences on how the communities were responding to poaching from areas such as Luangwa, compared to those in Chiawa and Mumbwa areas.
The survey, he said, revealed that the majority of people never thought of poaching as a problem in their area, because of failure to recognise their role in enforcing laws and policies.
Mr Chongo said it was for that reason that the community needed support that would motivate them to protect wildlife.
CBNRM forum fosters sustainable livelihoods among rural communities through sustainable management and utilization of natural resources. The survey indicated that of a total of 360 respondents in Luangwa, Chiawa and Mumbwa, 36 percent of people thought there was an illegal wildlife trading and poaching problem in their areas.
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