ZAWA accuse ALERT NGO and its partners for deceiving donors

The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA)has described as appalling the behaviour by some Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in the wildlife industry who are claiming credit for works they did not do so as to deceive donors.

In press statement released to the media by ZAWA Communications & Public Relations Officer Mwila Readith Muliyunda the Authority says it is outrageous, unfair and disrespectful to the organizers for some NGOs to claim ownership of works done by others in a bid to appease donors.

Ms. Muliyunda questioned the credibility of such organizations which she said did not show any interest during the planning phase of the event.

“The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) is appalled at the level of dishonesty by some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the industry, which go to the extreme of claiming credit for works they did not do in their quest to appease donors.

“ZAWA last week collaborated with Green Rural African Development (GRAD) to put up a colourful conservation and education awareness initiative and fun day for kids in commemoration of World Lion Day.”

She added, “Surprisingly, ALERT, a local NGO and its sister organisation, Lion Encounter through an article they posted on their website made false claims and gave the impression that they were behind the organisation of the event when in fact they were not.

“This may seem immaterial at glance. However, it is important to note that the organizing phase of the event was met with so much apathy and lack of interest from certain individuals and Alert, which is now claiming to have spearheaded it. It also speaks volumes about the credibility and caliber of such organisations.

“For them to want to claim credit for the occasion after it turned out to be a success is completely outrageous, unfair and disrespectful to the real organizers and contributors, especially GRAD, which was the major sponsor. Other contributors included Stanbic, Tongabezi, Game Rangers International, Grassroots Trust, Ranan Trading and the Livingstone Majorettes.”

And the Wildlife Authority has warned individuals trying to use the wildlife for personnel gratification as the industry is not a playground for amassing personal wealth from well wishers.

She also notes that the industry has been exploited for a long time hence the need for people to discourage by all well meaning Zambians.

“ZAWA would like to warn that the Wildlife industry and Zambia as a whole is not a playground for NGOs seeking to fulfil selfish motives, or those which are only interested in amassing personal wealth from well-wishers.

The industry has for a long time been subject to such shameless exploitation, and this shall not be tolerated. ZAWA is always happy to give credit to deserving partners. But any attempts by some organisations to reap where they did not sow shall not be allowed to continue,” she said.

She added, “The Authority is also very keen to partner with organisations that are honest, fair and with a genuine desire and passion for conservation of the country’s wildlife and natural resources. This is critical for the benefit of communities, not only locally, but across continents.

ZAWA understands that Zambia and Africa in general holds the last hope for the preservation and sustainability of our environment, wildlife and natural resource. The entire human species depends on the preservation and conservation of this limited resource for survival.”