Zambia Wildlife Authority

In 1999, the Government of the Republic of Zambia took decision to transform the former Department of National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) into an autonomous body, the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA). ZAWA is governed by the Zambia Wildlife Act, No. 12 of 1998 and has its own Board of Directors. The Board are responsible for managing the Authority under the policy guidance of the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources. The primary objectives of ZAWA are:

 To improve the quality of the life among communities in wildlife estates and maintenance of sustainable biodiversity in national parks and game management areas;
To reverse the decline in wildlife resources;
To improve wildlife resource management to a level which will secure sustainable flow of benefits from the resources; and
To considerably improve the wildlife resource base investment in co-operation with the private sector and local communities.

ZAWA has a significant role to play in the economic development of Zambia and its economic realization will significantly contribute to the GDP of Zambia. These noble objectives outlined above, will be achieved by ensuring ZAWA’s integrity is upheld at all times and its commercial activities are managed prudently.

It is now intrinsic part of Government policy of focus on wildlife conservation. ZAWA will work much more closely and in partnership with the private sector engaged in tourism development than may have been the case in the past.