European Development Partners Connect with Community for Sustainable Forest Management
A high-level delegation of European development partners took the time to visit the Chiswa Community Forest Management Group (CFMG) in Katete District, a community-run forestry area situated along the Great East Road.
Their goal? To dive into the community’s initiatives for forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable livelihoods.
During their visit, the delegation engaged with local community members, discovering their dedicated efforts to revive degraded forest areas through regeneration and tree
planting, all while enhancing sustainable forest management and local livelihoods.
Sekelani Banda, who represents the Chiswa Community Forest Management Group, shared that the community oversees around 613 hectares of forest.
They are also actively involved in various activities, including fire management, boundary marking, and livelihood projects like beekeeping.
Thanks to support from the EP-JSLP, the group has set up 220 beehives, which not only provide a vital source of income but also aid in forest conservation.
Noel Muchimba, the EP-JSLP Project Coordinator, updated the delegation on the program’s goals and emphasized the essential role that Community Forest Management Groups play in fostering sustainable forest management and helping to cut emissions in Eastern Province.
After the visit, After the visit, Vincent Maher, Simon ten Brinke-Jackson, and Andreas Pletziger expressed their admiration for the Chiswa community’s dedication to sustainable forest practices, highlighting the significance of forest regeneration and community involvement.
They underscored the significance of forest regeneration and the active involvement of the community in conserving forest resources.
This visit really drove home the importance of community-led forest management, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable livelihoods in our fight against climate change and in protecting our natural resources.
It underscored just how essential it is for communities to take charge in managing forests and creating sustainable ways of living.
These efforts are vital in tackling climate change and safeguarding our natural resources for the generations to come.
The EP-JSLP is implemented by the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, with support from the World Bank.
By Creavat Chituta-EP-JSLP Communications Officer
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eration