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A traditional leader in Southern Zambia is concerned with the rate of deforestation in her Chiefdom.
Chieftainess Mwenda of the Basanje – Tonga speaking people of Chikankata District, Southern Province, is concerned with the rate of deforestation in her Chiefdom.
The Traditional Leader said on Sunday in statement by Centre for Environment Justice(CEJ) that most trees had finished.
She said this was forcing communities to walk long distances to the mountains to fetch fire wood while others went up to siavonga.
“We are in urgent need of sustainable alternative energy sources in this area,” Chieftainess Mwenda said and further urging CEJ and corporating partners to assist in forest conservation and regeneration before her chiefdom becomes a dessert.
She said caterpillars, wild fruits, mushroom, wildlife and herbs could no longer be found in her chiefdom because of deforestation.
Chieftainess Mwenda said that rivers were drying up while agricultural productivity per hectarage had reduced by far because of deforestation.
“I ask CEJ to move expeditiously in implementing a project to conserve the remaining trees and promote forest regeneration where there is bare land,” she said.
This came to light when CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape paid a courtesy call on Chieftainess Mwenda
Mwape assured the Traditional leader that her organization was ready to implement a carbon and regeneration project in the area.
She said the community in Chikankata District and the Traditional Leaders needed to consent and commit to the project to enable smooth operations and promote community ownership.
“Carbon trading takes time, community need to be patient. We need to promote the planting of fruit trees like avocado so that community members can eat some while the rest can be sold or produce skin oil; also sunflower and honey production,” she said.
Also read:https://www.zambiamonitor.com/law-association-of-zambia-joins-battle-against-climate-change-sets-up-task-force/
Mwape said her organization would work closely with the community members and leadership in ensuring that the project was a success.
She further advised the traditional leader to consider establishing a Mwenda Community Trust which will be a partner in the project structure.
Mwape also recognised the Forestry Department as a key strategic stakeholder in the carbon and regeneration initiative.
The CEJ Executive Director informed the Chieftainess and the traditional leadership that Eastern Province was already benefitting from Carbon initiatives.
Mwape further added that deforestation destroyed ecosystems that were vital to wildlife and humans alike.
“The loss of trees and other vegetation can cause climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, and a host of problems for Indigenous people,” she said.
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