Chieftainess Mwasemphangwe of the Chewa people in Lumezi District has called on the government to enact laws that effectively regulate tobacco production to curb indiscriminate tree cutting, which contributes to environmental destruction.
Speaking during a meeting in Lundazi organized by the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape, the Chieftainess emphasized that the uncontrolled deforestation caused by tobacco curing has devastated forest plantations in her chiefdom, leading to increased carbon emissions and climate change impacts.
She proposed the adoption of modern technology, such as electric kilns, for curing tobacco instead of traditional methods that rely on firewood.
If there is no legal restriction, my chiefdom risks failing to meet its carbon emission reduction targets, thereby excluding my subjects from benefiting from the much-talked-about carbon trading rewards introduced by the government through the World Bank-supported Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape
The traditional leader stressed the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in achieving sustainable forest preservation, noting her chiefdom’s strong commitment to combating deforestation and reducing carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Mwase expressed gratitude for the implementation of the carbon trading initiative, praising government and its partners for their efforts.
He reiterated his and other leaders’ dedication to working with stakeholders to ensure the success of the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Project (EP-LSLP) and protect natural resources.
The Senior Chief also expressed optimism about government’s carbon trading program, highlighting its potential benefits for chiefdoms in the Eastern Province.