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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
Eastern Province Chiefs Discuss EP-JSLP to Tackle Deforestation and Emissions
Chipata, Zambia -27 December 2025 -Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Paul Thole has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to sustainable landscape management and the equitable sharing of benefits from carbon markets under the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme-EP-JSLP.
The Permanent Secretary made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Permanent Secretary Lewis Mwape during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on fuelwood consumption held in Chipata.
Dr. Mwape disclosed that the EP-JSLP is strategically positioned to generate an estimated 28.9 million tonnes of carbon credits, which will be sold to the World Bank and other international buyers.
He explained that revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits will be shared in line with the approved benefit-sharing framework, with 15 percent allocated to government and programme operations, 30 percent to private carbon project developers, and 55 percent directed to communities across the 56 chiefdoms in Eastern Province.
“The revenue from carbon credit sales will be distributed as follows: 15 percent to government and programme operations, 30 percent to private carbon project developers, and 55 percent to communities across the 56 chiefdoms in Eastern Province,” Dr. Mwape said.
Dr. Mwape further emphasized that the engagement was aimed at strengthening dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable fuelwood consumption and reduce emissions from Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use-AFOLU.
“This engagement is intended to enhance dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders in promoting sustainable fuelwood use while reducing AFOLU-related emissions,” he said.
He stressed that all recommendations arising from the engagement must remain practical, realistic, and within the operational mandate of the EP-JSLP to ensure effective and sustainable implementation.
Dr. Mwape noted that the $43 million World Bank–funded project seeks to reduce deforestation, promote sustainable land use, and cut greenhouse gas emissions across the province.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders in Eastern Province have called on key stakeholders to collaborate closely with traditional authorities and the Government to ensure the successful implementation of the EP-JSLP.
Both Senior Chief Luembe and Chief Madzimawe urged programme implementers to ensure the active involvement of local communities, who are the primary beneficiaries of the programme.
And EP-JSLP Programme Coordinator Noel Muchimba said the programme aims to generate payments to the Programme Entity for measured, reported, and verified Emission Reductions-ERs, with proceeds distributed in accordance with an agreed Benefit Sharing Plan-BSP.
Mr. Muchimba also outlined the programme’s major components and expected outcomes, highlighting benefits such as environmental conservation, improved livelihoods, and sustainable natural resource management.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the traditional leaders, Chieftainess Kawaza of Katete and Sinda Districts commended the Government for consistently involving traditional leaders in development programmes, noting that chiefs remain key stakeholders in both national and local development initiatives.
Institutions including the University of Zambia-UNZA, the Ministry of Energy, Community Markets for Conservation-COMACO, and several private sector organisations made presentations during the meeting.
They welcomed the initiative and expressed commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at reducing deforestation in the province.
The meeting was attended by several traditional leaders, including Chieftainess Kawaza, Chief Sandwe, Chief Chikomeni, Chief Zumwanda, Chief Kazembe, Chief Jumbe, and Chief Nyalungwe, as well as representatives from various government departments.
The EP-JSLP is being implemented by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, with support from the World Bank, to address key drivers of deforestation such as fuelwood consumption and agricultural expansion.
The programme aims to generate carbon payments for approximately 28.9 million tonnes of verified emission reductions by 2030, contributing to environmental protection while improving community livelihoods.
Issued by:
Creavat Chituta (Mr)
Communications Officer
Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme-EPJSLP
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment
Email: Creavat.Chituta@epjslp.org.zm
Mobile:0977471376