Eastern Province Chiefs Discuss EP-JSLP to Tackle Deforestation and Emissions

Traditional leaders in Eastern Province have commended Government for implementing the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme-EP-JSLP, a $43 million programme aimed at reducing deforestation, promoting sustainable land use, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The remarks were made during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on fuel-wood consumption held in Chipata.

Opening the meeting on behalf of Provincial Permanent Secretary Mr. Paul Thole, Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Lewis Mwape reaffirmed Government’s commitment to sustainable landscape management and equitable benefit-sharing from carbon markets, noting that the programme is expected to generate 28.9 million tonnes of carbon credits.

Meanwhile, EP-JSLP Project Coordinator Mr. Noel Muchimba presented the programme’s objectives, activities, and expected outcomes, highlighting benefits such as environmental conservation, improved livelihoods, and sustainable natural resource management.

Participants welcomed the presentation and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts to reduce deforestation across the province.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the chiefs, Chieftainess Kawaza of Katete and Sinda Districts thanked government for continuously involving traditional leaders in development programmes, stating that chiefs remain key stakeholders in national and local development.

The meeting was attended by several traditional leaders, including Chieftainess Kawaza, Chief Sandwe, Chief Chikomeni, Chief Zumwanda, Chief Kazembe, Chief Jumbe, and Chief Nyalungwe, alongside representatives from various government departments.