Chief Kazembe applauds formation of CERCC, says communities will benefit from EP-JSLP initiatives
His Royal Highness Chief Kazembe of the Chewa people in Lumezi District has expressed optimism and appreciation following the successful formation of the Community Emissions Reduction Coordination Committee (CERCC) under the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP).
Speaking when the EP-JSLP team paid a courtesy call on him before conducting a community engagement meeting that culminated in the election and subsequent endorsement of the Community Emissions Reduction Coordination Committee (CERCC), His Royal Highness Chief Kazembe said the newly formed committee will strengthen unity, cooperation, and community participation in achieving the programme’s objectives within his chiefdom.
The traditional leader expressed confidence that the committee will play a critical role in mobilizing communities to actively participate in sustainable natural resource management and emissions reduction initiatives under the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP).
The traditional leader formally endorsed the elected CERCC members, reaffirming his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable natural resource management, environmental conservation, and improved livelihoods for his people.
Chief Kazembe noted that the Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme presents significant opportunities for communities to benefit from emissions reduction efforts, improved governance systems, and climate-smart development interventions.
“I am confident that the formation of these committees will help bring our communities together to work towards a common goal. This programme will benefit our people through carbon reduction initiatives and other sustainable development opportunities,” said Chief Kazembe.
He further encouraged community members to work closely with the newly established CERCC to ensure the successful implementation of the Community Emissions Reduction Performance Plan (CERPP) and maximize benefits for the entire chiefdom.
The milestone forms part of the EP-JSLP’s broader effort to establish Community Emissions Reduction Coordination Committees across all 56 chiefdoms in Eastern Province, strengthening community ownership, accountability, and performance under Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Performance Agreements (CERPAs).
With strong support from traditional leaders such as Chief Kazembe, the EP-JSLP continues to build a solid foundation for environmental resilience, sustainable development, and improved livelihoods across Eastern Province.
📸 Photos and Story by Creavat Chituta-Communications Officer, Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP).
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