Strengthening capacity of Zambia Illegal Logging Law Enforcement Network

May 22, 2024

A grassy area just off a parking lot with a bench and trees. A portion is taped off to create a mock crime scene. — Participants were presented with a simulated illegal logging crime scene to practice evidence collection skills. (Photo courtesy Christopher Chisanga, Zambia Forestry Department)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The International Programs Office delivered two countering illegal logging skills-building workshops to the Zambia Illegal Logging Law Enforcement Network. The workshops were aligned with forthcoming revisions to the Zambia Forestry Act and were designed to help Zambian law enforcement agencies better engage with communities and with each other to counter illegal logging. The first workshop, at the end of January 2024, provided foundational knowledge and skills, and the second workshop, March 2024, taught Zambian officials how to lead their peers in countering illegal logging training sessions.

People sitting at tables in a conference room. In front, uniformed Forest Service employee stands near a projector as he provides training. — Forest Service instructors led the introductory module on illegal logging. Left to right: Special Agent (retired) Anne Minden, law enforcement officers Philip Strehle and Andrew Larson (USDA Forest Service photo by Beth Hahn)

Permanent Secretary for the Zambia Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Dr. Douty Chibamba opened the workshops and framed their importance:

"The training workshop we inaugurate today is not just a gathering of professionals, it is a platform for knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and the fostering of a robust, nationwide network of law enforcement officials. Through this workshop, we aim to equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge necessary to combat illegal logging effectively."

A cadre of 23 officials from the Zambia Forestry Department and Department of National Parks and Wildlife participated in the first workshop, which was led by Forest Service law enforcement officers Andrew Larson and Philip Strehle, retired special agent Anne Minden, and Forest Service Southern Africa Program Manager Beth Hahn. Forest Service agents led knowledge and skills on topics identified by the Network, including crime scene management, evidence collection, and surveillance.

Trainees stand outside listening to a trainer as part of a hands-on exercise. Some are taking nots. — Participants gained experience with crime scene investigation and evidence collection through practical exercises. (USDA Forest Service photo by Sibonisiwe Ngbueni)

Fifteen participants from the January session were invited to a second training-of-trainers workshop in March. The second training focused on instruction and facilitation skills to enable Zambian officials to train their peers. Forest Service law enforcement officers Andrew Larson and Philip Strehle returned to support this workshop and were joined by Forest Service Southern Africa Environmental Crime Advisor Karen Nott and Forest Service Zimbabwe Country Coordinator Sibonisiwe Ngubeni.

The International Programs Office of the Forest Service has been providing natural resource management technical assistance in southern Africa for more than 20 years and has been partnering with Zambian Forestry Department and Department of National Parks and Wildlife since 2021. The partnership began in response to a government of Zambia request for support in establishing a more robust illegal logging enforcement program. The Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs funds Forest Service programming to combat the illegal timber trade in Zambia.

Group photo: Trainees, trainers and Zambian government official outside a building. — Opening workshop photo with trainees, trainers and Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba (USDA Forest Service photo by Beth Hahn)