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Government has set aside K12 million to operationalise the Forest Development Fund (FDF) in the country, authorities have revealed.
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu, said government had so far recognised 150 community groups countrywide who are managing 2.6 million hectares of forest using forest management plans to strengthen sustainable forest management.
Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday, Nzovu said the Ministry launched the AFR100 initiative, which offered numerous economic opportunities for the Zambian population.
He said forest landscape restoration will generate income and employment through activities like reforestation, agroforestry, and sustainable forest management.
Nzovu said these activities will create jobs in rural areas, enhance local livelihoods, and contribute to poverty reduction.
“We call on citizens to come on board and take advantage of these opportunities.
“Apart from the economic benefits of AFR100, there are numerous benefits, including environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, enhanced resilience and adaptation to climate change, better water resource management, and conservation of biodiversity, ensuring the preservation of habitats and supporting ecotourism,” he said.
He said these benefits contribute to sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and the well-being of the Zambian people, while also addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Nzovu said government has also stopped the illegal harvesting and trading of Mukula logs while other tree species such as rosewood, teak and mukwa among others are allowed for export.
“Government issued small and medium scale concessions across the country for the first time ever and 195 concessions have been so far awarded to the ordinary Zambia people,” he said.
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