Tanzania to Host the 14th Governing Council Meeting of the Lusaka Agreement

 

Tanzania is preparing to host the 14th Governing Council Meeting of Parties to the Lusaka Agreement, set to take place from May 8, 2025,  Arusha.

Approximately 19 ministers from member states, along with representatives from international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), INTERPOL, and the Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), are expected to attend the meeting.

Tanzania is also expected to assume the Presidency of the Governing Council for the next two years, taking over from Kenya.

Speaking to the media on May 7, 2025, in Arusha, the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Pindi Chana, emphasized the importance of the event:

"We are gathered here today to ask for your support in using the media you represent to convey to Tanzanians the significance of this major and unique meeting on the conservation of wildlife and forests, which will be held in our country, particularly in this tourism hub of Arusha."

This high-level meeting is held every two years. The previous session took place in Zambia in March 2022.

Dr. Chana explained that the Lusaka Agreement was established in 1994 to promote cooperation among African countries in combating poaching and the illegal transboundary trade in wildlife and forest products.

"Tanzania joined the Lusaka Agreement in 1999 and has since worked in collaboration with other member countries including Congo-Brazzaville, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, and Zambia."

She highlighted the benefits Tanzania has gained through this partnership:

"Through this Agreement, Tanzania has benefited in various ways, including the exchange of information on wildlife and forest crime."

Other achievements include the ability to track and dismantle poaching networks, conduct joint operations and patrols, and receive specialized training for law enforcement officers.

"During this 14th meeting to be held in Arusha, the Council will, among other things, review the implementation of resolutions from the 13th meeting and adopt the Strategic Plan for the Agreement for the next five years (2025–2030)."

Dr. Chana further stated that hosting the meeting presents a valuable opportunity for the country in several areas:

"Hosting this meeting in Arusha is a chance to promote tourism, expand trade, and participate in regional and international efforts to combat poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and forest products."

Tanzania, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and its affiliated institutions under the National Bureau, will take part in the meeting and play an active role in advancing conservation efforts across the continent.