By 
The government says there is need for robust partnerships with the private sector to address the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly through initiatives such as tree planting.
Sitwala Wamunyima, Director of Forestry at the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, highlighted the pervasive effects of climate change on all sectors of the economy, including floods and droughts in various regions of the country.
Speaking at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zones (LSMFEZ) Tree Planting exercise, Wamunyima stressed the critical role of trees in ensuring a sustainable supply of wood for charcoal and timber production.
“Government is deeply committed to tree protection as a cornerstone of sustainable resource management. Deforestation poses a significant threat to our nation’s stability, which is why we are eager to collaborate with the private sector on initiatives like tree planting,” Wamunyima reiterated.
He further elaborated on the ministry’s efforts to combat deforestation through targeted measures in selected districts, underscoring government’s readiness to engage with private sector entities to promote nationwide tree planting initiatives.
Wamunyima also highlighted the directive from the President to foster public-private collaborations to devise effective solutions for environmental challenges.
Sonny Zulu, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, expressed concern over the inadequate rate of tree replanting, warning of a potential shortfall in plantation timber by 2027 to meet the escalating construction demands.
“However, this trend is reversible,” Zulu emphasized, announcing the bank’s commitment to planting 400 indigenous trees at LSMFEZ as part of their ongoing environmental initiatives.
He underscored the bank’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting tree planting campaigns, such as the annual P.L.A.N.T. Campaign (People Loving and Nurturing Trees).
Boster Chiyaba, Chairperson of LSMFEZ Board, hailed the partnership with Standard Chartered Bank as a significant step towards achieving their tree planting goals.
The tree planting exercise saw the successful planting of 400 indigenous trees valued at K50,000 at LSMFEZ.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments