WCP Zambia
Research, Monitoring and Evaluation
Climate change and illegal wildlife trade are two of the most pressing global challenges. The United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) identified illicit wildlife trade as one of the most profitable forms of transnational organised crime.
Research, Monitoring and Evaluation
Climate change and illegal wildlife trade (IWT) are among the most significant global challenges, threatening biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental stability. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified IWT as one of the most lucrative forms of transnational organised crime, with links to corruption, money laundering, and other illicit activities. The illegal trade in wildlife drives species decline and undermines governance, security, and economic stability in affected regions.
According to the WWF Living Planet Report 2020, global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 68% since 1970, with habitat loss, overexploitation, and illegal wildlife trade as primary drivers. Climate change further intensifies these pressures by disrupting ecosystems and limiting recovery of wildlife populations.
Our Approach
At Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP), we address these challenges through data collection, research, and collaboration with government and enforcement partners. By analysing trends in wildlife and environmental crime across Zambia and Southern Africa, we generate insights into threats to biodiversity and patterns of illegal activity.
Our work supports conservation planning and strengthens law enforcement responses by providing evidence-based analysis. Through targeted research, we identify emerging risks and trends, enabling timely and effective responses.
Programme Support
Our research contributes to:
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Strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks
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Improving enforcement strategies and operational planning
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Supporting coordinated responses to wildlife crime
Key Focus Areas
To address illegal wildlife trade and environmental crime, WCP focuses on key threat areas:
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Rhino Horn Trade – Analysis of poaching and trafficking networks to disrupt supply chains
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Bushmeat Poaching and Trade – Assessment of illegal trade patterns and associated risks
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Big Cat Poaching and Trade – Monitoring and analysis of illegal hunting and trafficking of species such as lions and leopards
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Pangolin Trafficking – Analysis of trade dynamics and support to enforcement agencies to reduce trafficking
Data and Partnerships
By applying data-driven analysis and working with government agencies, law enforcement, and conservation organisations, WCP supports coordinated action to address wildlife crime.
This approach ensures that conservation and enforcement decisions are based on reliable evidence and that interventions are targeted and effective.
Through research, monitoring, and analysis, WCP contributes to the protection of biodiversity, the disruption of illegal wildlife trade, and the strengthening of enforcement responses in Zambia and across the region.