Traditional Leader Endorses CERCC and Pledges Support for Sustainable Development in Lundu Chiefdom
Chief Lundu of the Senga people in Chama District has reaffirmed his commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and climate-smart development following the establishment of the Community Emissions Reduction Coordination Committee (CERCC) in Lundu Chiefdom.
Speaking when a team from the EP-JSLP, led by Environmental and Social Inclusion Officer Godfrey Phiri, paid a courtesy call on him, Chief Lundu welcomed the initiative and commended the programme for promoting inclusive community participation and strengthening the role of traditional leadership in environmental governance.
The traditional leader expressed confidence that the newly established CERCC will provide an effective platform for coordinating community-driven efforts aimed at reducing emissions, protecting forests and wildlife, and improving livelihoods across the chiefdom.
Chief Lundu formally endorsed the elected CERCC members and pledged his full support to the committee as it undertakes its mandate of advancing sustainable land management and natural resource governance.
He noted that Lundu Chiefdom stands to benefit significantly from a well-coordinated approach to environmental conservation and emissions reduction, adding that local communities are eager to participate in initiatives that create both environmental and economic benefits.
The Chief further appealed for the expedited implementation of project activities to enable communities to begin realizing the benefits associated with carbon credit programmes and other sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Emphasizing the importance of conservation, Chief Lundu stated that protecting wildlife and natural resources remains a priority for the people of Lundu Chiefdom, describing environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility that will help secure a better future for generations to come.
Earlier, Mr. Phiri emphasized the importance of establishing inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance structures capable of effectively coordinating emissions reduction activities and sustainable land management interventions at the chiefdom level.
The engagement brought together representatives from the EP-JSLP, the Forest Department, the Zambia Community-Based Natural Resources Management Association, and BioCarbon Partners-BCP, who briefed the traditional leader on the programme’s objectives and the anticipated benefits for local communities.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among all stakeholders to strengthen community participation, promote sustainable natural resource management, and advance climate-resilient development that improves livelihoods while safeguarding the environment.
📸 Story & Photos by Creavat Chituta-EPJSLP Communications Officer
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