Chief Chikomeni Commended for Leadership as Stakeholders Advance Lundazi National Forest Conservation under EP-JSLP
The team also paid a courtesy call on Chief Chikomeni as part of the continued Management of Lundazi National Forest Field Mission in Lundazi and Lumezi Districts.
The traditional leader reaffirmed his commitment to creating awareness on the dangers of charcoal production, noting that the vice has reduced by about 90 percent in his chiefdom.
He appealed to the Eastern Province Jurisdiction Sustainable Landscape Programme-EP-JSLP and line ministries implementing the programme to consider alternative livelihood options for his subjects who are living and farming within the forest area.
As part of his proposals, Chief Chikomeni suggested beekeeping and other sustainable income-generating activities as viable alternatives to charcoal production.
He further assured Government of his full support in ensuring that environmental preservation is achieved for the benefit of present and future generations.
In response, the Acting Director of Forestry at the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr. Freddie Siangulube, acknowledged the proposal and expressed Government’s willingness to work closely with traditional leadership to explore interventions such as beekeeping and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture as part of long-term solutions to reduce pressure on forest resources.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Mr. Clement Chilembo commended Chief Chikomeni for his continued support towards Government programmes, describing him as a traditional leader who has been instrumental in the development of his chiefdom.
Mr. Chilembo expressed optimism that, with the support and leadership of Chief Chikomeni, more sustainable solutions would be identified to ensure the conservation of the forest for future generations.
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#EnvironmentalConservation #TraditionalLeadership #ClimateAction