Abstract:

The illegal wildlife trade is one of the biggest dangers to biodiversity worldwide, especially in Zambia, where human activities threaten many species. In 1973, several nations developed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Animals of Wild Fauna and Flora to combat the unlawful trade in endangered animals. This study examines how capacity training improves CITES stakeholder coordination and collaboration in Zambia to protect wildlife. A key goal of the study was to evaluate how well capacity building has improved CITES enforcement agency coordination in Zambia. The study studied Management Authority collaboration arrangements, training program performance, and stakeholder efforts to promote inter-agency coordination. We collected qualitative and quantitative data using a mixed-method approach. Interviews and questionnaires with former CITE capacity-building program participants and organizers provided primary data. This strategy assessed stakeholder collaboration and training program effectiveness. According to the report, the lack of institutional rules and collaboration mechanisms has prevented capacity building from improving CITES stakeholder coordination in Zambia. Though well-structured, training programs lacked practical elements and did not strengthen stakeholder interactions. Policy reforms and more hands-on, practical training are needed to improve inter-agency coordination. Successful CITES implementation in Zambia requires stronger collaboration and commitment from all enforcement authorities to conserve wildlife and biodiversity.

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