Government through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), has begun reorganizing Community Resource Boards (CRBs) to enhance their operations and ensure they effectively meet the needs of stakeholders.
This initiative is being carried out with support from the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Program (EP-JSLP), a World Bank-funded program.
The reconstitution process involves selecting Village Action Groups (VAGs), which will lead to the formation of new CRBs which has commenced with Chikomeni and Mwasempangwe CRBs in Lumezi District, Eastern Province, as their current terms have ended.
DNPW East Luangwa Area Management Unit Warden Mable Shibata stated that the restructuring will be conducted through a democratic secret ballot election.
Ms. Shibata explained that the aim of reconstituting CRBs is to strengthen conservation efforts and encourage greater community participation in natural resource management.
She emphasized that the government and its partners are committed to ensuring that CRBs are well-supported and function effectively to promote conservation and sustainable development.
“By strengthening these boards, we are ensuring that communities remain active stakeholders in wildlife management and benefit from conservation-related activities,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chief Chikomeni commended the CRBs for their vital role in managing the Lukusuzi National Park, noting that their efforts have significantly contributed to preserving the natural environment and wildlife.
The traditional leader believes these conservation efforts have gained goodwill from international organizations and other partners, leading to increased support for protecting the national park.
He noted that the Lukusuzi National Park has seen a rise in wildlife populations due to the restoration of natural habitats.
Chief Chikomeni highlighted the World Bank’s contribution under the Zambia Integrated Forestry Landscape Project (ZIFLP), which had funded the construction of a lodge for the CRB which was expected to create employment opportunities and boost economic development in the area.
Our wildlife and forests are our heritage, and we must protect them for future generations. We appreciate the government and its partners for ensuring that communities have a voice in managing these resources
He further noted that the reconstituted CRBs would play a key role in advancing the objectives of the EP-JSLP, which aims to reduce emissions from the land sector while improving rural livelihoods.
Meanwhile, one of the nominated candidates for the Chikomeni VAG, Jelita Banda, has encouraged women to participate in the elections.
Ms. Banda stressed the importance of women being part of the CRBs, as they play a critical role in climate change adaptation and mitigation through their involvement in agriculture, natural resource management, and energy use at the community level.
CRBs, established under the Zambia Wildlife Act of 2015, serve as a crucial link between local communities and the government in managing Game Management Areas (GMAs) and open areas.
ZANIS/ENDS/LM………..DRY