Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme -Emissions Reduction Project-EP-JSLP
PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Release)
EP-JSLP Pays Tribute to Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV for His Lasting Legacy in Climate Action and Sustainable Landscape Management
Chipata, Zambia-June 4, 2026-The Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP) has paid tribute to the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, recognizing him as a visionary traditional leader who successfully combined cultural stewardship with environmental conservation and climate action.
During his 44-year reign as Inkosi YaMakhosi (King of Kings) of the Ngoni people, Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV championed sustainable land management, forest conservation, and community participation in climate initiatives long before climate change became a major development priority.
His leadership helped communities understand the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations while promoting responsible environmental management and sustainable livelihoods.
A key part of his legacy was his strong support for the EP-JSLP an Emissions Reduction Initiative for the Eastern Province. He became the first traditional leader in Zambia to sign a Chiefdom Emission Reduction Performance Agreement (CERPA), demonstrating the critical role of traditional authorities in climate governance.
He also endorsed important governance structures such as the Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Coordinating Committee (CERCC) and the Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Performance Plan (CERPP), thereby strengthening community-led climate action and accountability.
EP-JSLP Project Coordinator Mr. Noel Muchimba described the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV as a visionary traditional leader and passionate champion of climate action who understood the importance of protecting forests and promoting sustainable landscape management.
Mr. Muchimba said the Chief’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment greatly strengthened participation in emissions reduction and conservation initiatives across Eastern Province, contributing significantly to the success and acceptance of the programme’s activities within his chiefdom and beyond, while leaving a lasting legacy of environmental responsibility.
Through his advocacy against deforestation and unsustainable charcoal production, support for community forest management, and promotion of carbon-credit-based conservation incentives, Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV established an enduring legacy as a champion of climate resilience, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in Eastern Province and Zambia as a whole.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV will be remembered not only as a respected custodian of Ngoni culture but also as a pioneering champion of climate action whose leadership strengthened community-based conservation, sustainable landscape management, and environmental governance, leaving a lasting foundation for future generations.
May His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV rest in eternal peace. His legacy will endure for generations to come.
Originally and issued by:
Creavat Chituta
Communications Officer
Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP)
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment
Email: Creavat.Chituta@epjslp.org.
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