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The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia has entered into a K1 million partnership agreement with Stanbic Bank Zambia aimed at raising awareness on forest cover loss, land degradation, and promoting environmental sustainability.
The partnership, once operational, will focus on countering the effects of forest degradation and deforestation through initiatives such as Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR).
WWF Zambia Country Director, Nalucha Ziba, signed the agreement on behalf of her organization, while Stanbic Bank Managing Director Mwiindwa Siakalima signed on behalf of the bank during a ceremony held in Lusaka on Friday.
The collaboration will be implemented under the “Let’s Secure Zambezi” project, focusing on community support through sustainable livelihoods and value chain investments in non-timber forest products.
“As we explore alternative energy sources amid the climate crisis, this partnership will support initiatives that promote renewable energy and help create an eco-smart Zambezi,” Ziba said.
She noted that environmental degradation around the Zambezi River source was largely driven by land clearing for subsistence agriculture, timber harvesting, fuel demands, unemployment, and wildfires—factors that threaten the region’s ecosystem.
Ziba also highlighted the growing link between deforestation and climate change, warning of its impact on the fragile Zambezi headwaters and associated woodlands.
Stanbic’s Siakalima said the agreement represents a significant step in supporting the government’s efforts to combat climate change and restore Zambia’s natural ecosystems.
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“Through our collaboration, we have already contributed over K700,000 toward tree planting and ecosystem restoration efforts at the Zambezi Source Area in Ikelenge District, North-Western Province,” he said.
He revealed that the partnership has so far led to the planting of over 30,000 indigenous trees, with an additional 30,000 seedlings being nurtured in community nurseries.
Last year, the bank also procured 130 beehives for local communities through cooperatives, helping to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce pressure on forest resources.
“Over the next year, we are increasing our support to K1 million. This investment will go toward tree planting, raising awareness on forest loss, promoting sustainable land use, and supporting nature-based enterprises,” Siakalima added.
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