Ministry of Green Economy and Environment
Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme-EP-JSLP
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Release)
CHIEFDOM VOICES FOR CONSERVATION LAUNCHED TO STRENGTHEN CLIMATE ACTION IN EASTERN PROVINCE
Chipata, Zambia-1st February 2026-The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, through the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme-EP-JSLP, in partnership with Community Markets for Conservation-COMACO, has officially launched the 2026 implementation of the Chiefdom Voices for Conservation radio programme series across all 56 chiefdoms in Eastern Province.
The initiative provides a vital platform for traditional leaders to share perspectives on Greenhouse Gas-GHG emission reduction activities, conservation efforts, and sustainable land-use practices within their communities.
The launch was marked by a live phone-in Chiefdom Voices radio programme on Breeze FM, held under the theme: “Where traditional leadership, conservation, and community futures meet.”
Speaking at the launch, Chief Munukwa of the Ngoni people of Chipangali, who also serves as Chairperson of the Eastern Province Chiefs Council, commended the programme for strengthening communication and community sensitisation on conservation and sustainable land management.
The traditional leader emphasised that enhanced collaboration between government, traditional leadership, EP-JSLP, COMACO, and cooperating partners would significantly reduce deforestation caused by charcoal production and other unsustainable practices.
“With such collaboration, we will definitely reduce the indiscriminate cutting of trees and enhance environmental restoration and conservation across the province,” said Chief Munukwa.
Meanwhile, EP-JSLP Environmental and Social Inclusion Officer, Godfrey Phiri, explained that the partnership between EP-JSLP and COMACO is guided by the Nested Emission Reduction Performance Agreement-NERPA, which aims to reduce emissions through Sustainable Forest Management, promotion of Climate Smart Agriculture-CSA, and adoption of efficient wood-saving cookstoves.
“This partnership is focused on reducing emissions in line with EP-JSLP objectives while promoting sustainable livelihoods for communities,” Mr. Phiri said.
He further revealed that EP-JSLP is also collaborating with BioCarbon Partners-BCP as another nested carbon credit developer to strengthen environmental protection and climate change mitigation efforts in the province.
In addition, COMACO Conservation Manager, Nemiah Tembo, reaffirmed COMACO’s commitment to promoting Climate Smart Agriculture as a pathway to forest restoration and improved soil health.
Mr.Tembo highlighted the critical role of traditional leaders play in ensuring conservation messages effectively reach local communities.
Mr. Tembo also acknowledged the continued support from chiefs, government institutions, and development partners in advancing benefit-sharing mechanisms under the jurisdictional programme.
“Working closely with traditional leaders ensures that conservation and benefit-sharing information reaches every chiefdom and supports sustainable development,” Mr. Tembo said.
The EP-JSLP is implemented by the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, with support from the World Bank.
Originally Issued by:
Creavat Chituta (Mr)
Communications Officer
Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP)
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment
📧 Email: Creavat.Chituta@epjslp.org.zm