UK Pledges Support For Conserving Zambia’s Natural Resources

The government of the United Kingdom has pledged its continued support to Zambia in conserving and protecting the country’s natural resources.

Ensuring biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change are among the UK’s top priorities in Zambia, said British High Commissioner Nicholas Woolley.

“Protecting the world’s biodiversity, mitigating the global impacts of climate change, and here in Zambia working to conserve natural resources and wildlife are all strong priorities of the UK Government and our mission here in Lusaka,” he said. 

In particular, Mr Woolley explained that the partnership between Game Rangers International and the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife has the potential to boost the Lusaka National Park as a major tourist destination, for both domestic and foreign visitors.

“More broadly, tourism has the potential to be a real driver of job creation and associated services in the coming years. As the British High Commissioner I’m proud that the UK, through Prospero Limited is helping to develop further partnerships like this and help create more jobs and economic opportunities for Zambian people and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the process,” he explained. 

Furthermore, the high commissioner expressed his delight at the initiatives taken to educate Zambian children about the importance of conservation, observing that “the children of today … hold the greatest potential for a shift in mindset around climate change and wildlife conservation”. 

The High Commissioner has called for all Zambians to help protect the park, adding that the UK’s support for the Conservation Education Centre is only the first step towards developing the reserve’s true potential in promoting conservation, education and job creation.