US, Zambia collaborate to fight poaching

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 10:43:05 +0000

 By MUKOSELA KASALWE

IT is vital to harness the bond of partnership between the United States and Zambia particularly in the reduction of illegal wildlife trade and poaching, says Tourism and Arts minister Charles Banda.

Mr Banda said it was necessary to collaborate with cooperating partners such as the United States to help tackle poaching and illegal wildlife which he said was getting sophisticated by the day.

The minister said this when American ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote paid a courtesy call on him in Lusaka last Friday.

In a statement issued by ministry public relations officer, Sakabilo Kalembwe, Mr Banda applauded America for being one of Zambia’s biggest tourism source markets only second to France.

“There is great need to grow the bond of partnership between the two countries including in the reduction of illegal wildlife trade and poaching,” he said.

Mr Foote said his country was keen in assisting Zambia achieve economic diversification through tourism.

The diplomat said since coming to Zambia he has identified the sector as a more natural one and that he would like to take a lot of interest in learning what it offers so that he finds ways America could help.

Mr Foote said he has enough experience in conservation efforts in his country and expressed zeal to visit different places, appreciate landscapes and other incentives.

He said Zambia offered beautiful attractions that were better than many other places he has visited.