Zambia Advances Data-Driven Approach to Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Planning
Zambia is updating its Wildlife and Protected Areas Accounts (WPAA) to better reflect the economic and ecological value of its national parks and game management areas, which cover nearly 30% of the country. Supported by the World Bank’s Global Program for Sustainability and implemented through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, ZamStats, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the initiative aims to improve conservation planning and policy integration by generating accurate data on biodiversity, wildlife population trends, tourism revenues, and community benefits. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is working alongside government partners, providing technical assistance to strengthen data capacity and promote sustainable land use practices.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Zambia’s economy, with nature-based travel contributing over 7% to national GDP and creating jobs in rural areas—particularly in destinations such as South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi National Parks. However, a historical lack of consolidated data has limited policy effectiveness. The WPAA will address this gap by tracking tourism flows, conservation-related income, and impacts on local livelihoods, helping to align Zambia’s future conservation investments with development priorities. These efforts also support climate-related objectives, such as commitments under the Paris Agreement and national strategies for green growth—positioning Zambia as a leader in integrating environmental assets into economic planning across Africa.
Source: APO Group