World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is ready to partner with government to boost tourism in the Lower Zambezi National Park unlike allowing the operationalization of Mwembeshi Resource Limited.

WWF Zambia Country Director Nachiala Nkombo says allowing an open-pit copper mine will hinder tourism in the natural resource.

She adds that the solution is to harness, expand and commercialise participation of locals in the national park.

Ms. Nkombo notes that giving a go ahead to the mining activities in the area will undermine Zambia’s commitment to sustainable development goal number 13 that speaks to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Over 50,000 people globally have signed a petition to halt the controversial open-pit copper mine from opening in the Lower Zambezi National Park, highlighting widespread public outrage and concern at the development of the mine.

By Shem Malinda