The Department of National Parks and Wildlife has reported that wildlife crimes increased last year, from 600 cases in 2018 to 1000.

The Department’s Director Brighton Kumchedwa told the Nation On Sunday newspaper that the cases have been followed up and arrests have been made, specifically 11 Chinese nationals in May and August during the year in review.

In October, the department received an aircraft worth $100, 000 (K73 million), which was given by Peace Parks Foundation (PPF). According to Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Minister, Bintony Kutsaira, said the aircraft will, among others, be used for anti-poaching campaigns and monitoring the reserve.

Handing over the aircraft, PPF Chief Executive Officer, Werner Myburgh, outlined that besides the aircraft, there are more plans in place, aimed at boosting tourism in the country. “People come to Africa, Malawi inclusive, because of its wildlife. So we have a 20-year strategy to make the sites more attractive to the world. We first want to improve the Vwaza tourism face. So in the next 15 to 20 years, we envision having 20,000 visitors per annum,” he said.