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Zambia is losing an estimated 275,000 hectares of forest every year, largely due to charcoal burning, agricultural expansion, and unregulated construction according to the 2016 Integrated Land Use Assessment (ILUA).
Chongwe District Forestry Technician Doreen Mungomba cited the report urging local leaders and communities in Chongwe to take immediate action in protecting forests before the damage becomes irreversible.
Speaking during a lobby meeting between the Busoli royal establishment and the Forestry department, facilitated by Keepers Zambia Foundation (KZF), Ms Mungomba urged the traditional leaders to focus not only on restrictions but also on community led solutions, this was after the leadership in the chiefdom proposed banning charcoal production in the area.
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Ms Mungomba said such measures could be considered if local leadership strongly felt it was necessary to protect forests.
She stressed that the formation of natural resources management units would help communities manage forests sustainability, ensuring that protected areas remain intact while allowing responsible use of resources such as herbal medicine.
In response to the crisis, Prince Kabwata Nkomeshya of Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II urged the community to consider alternative sources of income instead of relying on charcoal production.
“Charcoal production is not the only way for people to make a living. There is a need for a mindset shift among our people,” he said.
The prince further announced that the royal establishment would, within a month, develop a formal commitment aimed at strengthening environmental conservation efforts.
“As a royal establishment, we believe natural resource management is key. Therefore, we will come up with a commitment in a month’s time,” he said.
The discussion took place during a lobbying meeting facilitated by Keepers Zambia Foundation (KZF) under the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) program, which is being implemented in partnership with Hivos to promote environmental justice.
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