THE TASK FORCE VISITS MALAWI IN ITS EFFORTS TO EXPAND MEMBERSHIP

The Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF) is intensifying its efforts in promoting the Agreement and encouraging other African States to accede to the Lusaka Agreement.  This is in line with strategic objective 1 of the LATF ten year strategic plan (2005-1015) and Decision XI/7 of the Governing Council of the Agreement on ensuring an effective and growing membership.

In this regard, the Task Force has planned sensitization visits to several African states focusing on officials at key decision making levels. Accordingly, the Director of the Task Force and a Field Officer undertook an official visit to Malawi from 4th to 7th November, 2009 where they discussed matters relating to   Malawi’s accession to the Agreement and co-operation in combating illegal trade in wild fauna and flora. Other issues related to CITES, especially on disposal of illegally traded and confiscated specimens of Appendix I species were discussed successfully.

It was the second visit to southern African countries in 2009 after the one carried out in South Africa in August, 2009.

The visitation involved a series of presentations and meetings with the Minister for Tourism Wildlife and Culture, Hon. Anna Andrew Namathanga (MP) and her management team, senior government officials at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs as well as individuals who all supported the prospects of Malawi accession to the Lusaka Agreement.

The Republic of Malawi is one of the potential members collaborating with Task Force in the fight against biodiversity crimes. The state is committed to support co-operative law enforcement locally and regionally as it looks forward to accede to the Agreement in the near future.

From left Director LATF, Hon. Minister and the PS

From left PS, Director LATF, Hon. Minister, LATF Officer and the
Director National Parks & Wildlife