Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA)

ZAWA is the Zambian Government wildlife management authority, which regulates and sets all policies governing the use and management of wildlife. It also maintains an active force of field personnel to maintain a law enforcement presence in all of its national parks and game management areas while also monitoring the wildlife populations found in these areas. It has a long history in supporting community-based approaches to wildlife management and has worked closely with numerous partners, including Wildlife Conservation Society, to help encourage improved ways ZAWA can better manage wildlife resources in Zambia through joint co-management efforts with local communities. As one such effort, COMACO has received strong endorsement by ZAWA with active involvement by its staff.