The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has sounded the alarm on the rapid decline of wildlife habitats due to deforestation and industrial emissions, exacerbating the impacts of climate change and hindering efforts to sustainably manage natural resources. In a statement released over the weekend to mark World Wildlife Day, Romeo Muyunda, spokesperson for the ministry, highlighted the urgent need to confront the challenges confronting local wildlife. "The imperative to boost our economies has led to the swift disappearance of forests and woodlands, making way for development projects. These ecosystems serve as crucial habitats for rare and endangered wildlife species. Simultaneously, escalating industrial activities emit greenhouse gases, exacerbating ozone layer depletion and contributing to climate change," Muyunda remarked.