NPA sets up green crime dept

The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has taken a decisive step toward safeguarding Zambia's ecological and natural heritage by establishing a dedicated Environmental and Wildlife Crime Department. Announced by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri, the creation of this specialized unit marks a milestone in the institution's strategic evolution over the past five years, shifting focus toward robust environmental justice and specialized prosecutorial capacities. Addressing the media in Lusaka, Mr. Phiri emphasized that environmental and wildlife crimes have historically represented low-hanging fruit for illicit exploitation, given Zambia's vast mineral wealth and expansive natural ecosystems. With major extractive industries driving economic activity across the Copperbelt, North-Western, and other provinces, the collateral environmental impact has necessitated a more rigorous, data-driven legal framework. The newly minted department aims to bridge the gap between field-level conservation efforts by rangers and the successful, high-profile prosecution of offenders engaged in illegal mining, logging, poaching, and hazardous waste dumping. This institutional restructuring aligns with broader administrative reforms within the NPA, which has sought to modernize its operations, enhance transparency, and foster public trust. Mr. Phiri highlighted that the authority has introduced professional standards, established a new governing board, and integrated data-driven decision-making by hiring its first-ever staff statistician. Furthermore, the NPA has reinforced its internal integrity committees to ensure that prosecutors handling sensitive economic and environmental cases remain above board and accountable to the Zambian public. The timing of the department's establishment coincides with increasing collaborative efforts between the NPA and municipal entities, such as the recent partnership with the Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company (LISWMC)