Government and Traditional Leaders Collaborate to Protect Lundazi National Forest under EP-JSL
As the Management of Lundazi National Forest Field Mission continues, a delegation of government officials and key stakeholders led by Assistant Secretary Mr. Clement Chilembo engaged with traditional leadership and paid a courtesy call on Chief Zumwanda of the Chewa-speaking people of Lumezi District.
The engagement was conducted under the Eastern Province Jurisdiction Sustainable Landscape Programme-EP-JSLP, which is funded by the World Bank.
During the meeting, Chief Zumwanda called upon the Forestry Department to work closely with traditional leaders to ensure that forest conservation efforts are strengthened and sustainably preserved, particularly in addressing challenges such as forest encroachment, charcoal production, and unsustainable land-use practices.
In response, the Acting Director of Forestry at the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr. Freddie Siangulube, explained the objective of the field mission and emphasized the importance of his presence alongside key stakeholders and partners on the entourage.
He noted that the collaborative approach under the EP-JSLP was intended to promote sustainable agricultural practices, clarify roles and responsibilities, and identify practical and lasting solutions to protect the threatened Lundazi National Forest through coordinated action and shared responsibility.