Chama Institutions Urged to Embrace Energy-Efficient Cooking to Curb Deforestation
The Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP) in Chama District has called on boarding schools, hospitals and other institutions to adopt energy-efficient cooking methods and embrace alternative energy sources in a bid to reduce deforestation.
Chama District EP-JSLP Project Officer, Ernest Mupemo, said promoting improved cookstoves in institutions would help reduce the cutting down of trees for firewood and, consequently, lessen pressure on the district’s forests.
Mr. Mupemo encouraged institutions to identify and propose practical alternatives and measures they are willing to adopt to reduce their dependence on wood fuel and contribute to curbing deforestation.
“The ultimate goal is to secure concrete commitments from each institution towards adopting sustainable energy solutions and reducing unsustainable wood fuel consumption,” he said.
Mr. Mupemo observed that forests are being depleted at a faster rate than they are regenerating, making it necessary for institutions and communities to take urgent action.
He urged institutions to explore the use of improved cookstoves and other sustainable energy solutions, while calling on communities to strengthen forest protection and regeneration measures.
“Communities need to strengthen forest protection and regeneration measures,” Mr. Mupemo said.
Photos and Story by Harriet Chilufya of ZANIS
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