Government says it is in the process of restructuring the Forestry Department to make it more effective in monitoring and assessing the extent of deforestation in the country.
Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Minister, Catherine Namugala, says government will ensure that the department is equipped with appropriate tools that will help mitigate the impact of climate change on the country.
Ms Namugala said this in a speech read for her by Permanent Secretary, Teddy Kasonso, at a tree planting ceremony to mark the World Forestry Day cerebrations in Lusaka today.
She said there is need to encourage planting of trees in all parts of the country because they trees play an important role towards cushioning the effects of climate change.
She explained that this is why trees should be considered as one way of implementing control measures of climate change in sectors like tourism, energy and agriculture.
The minster, further, added that her ministry is working in collaboration with the ministry of energy and water development and the ministry of agriculture to find alternative sources of energy and sustainable agricultural practices aimed at reducing effects of carbon emissions.
Speaking at the some ceremony, Director of Forestry Department, Anna Musanje said forest conservation is important to both the environment and human beings.
Mrs. Musanje explained that though trees are a renewable resource there is need for people in the country to help protect them just like other natural resource.
She, further, urged other stakeholders to partner with government in finding solutions to address the effects of climate change.
ZANIS/MM/ENDS/SJK.
Apa pasuma.
Forestry dept, yes a very neglected govt wing yet very vital. The Minister ,yes, not the right caliber in that portfolio….
Ba Wiseman fimo fimo, I think Cathy Namugala is trying, lets give her a benefit of doubt. She has been in the limelight recently with RB. Awaiting the outcome of these frequent meetings and encounters.
Gday to you.
Ba Chewe, ati apa pasuma ukulima? Mwafuluka ku mabala ka?. Mwalelima imbalala nangula amataba or tomato, tute na kandolo?LOL
Credit where it is due, Well done Catherine. Call the first African woman Nobel prize winner for advice.
Good way
I wonder why we Africans are always quick to believe everything the white people say. Don’t we have our own mind? Climate change is one example of a typical western regional problem that we have been made to believe affects the whole world.
Facts are that the detrimental effects of industrialization in Europe, America & Asia on the environment can never be compared to Africa. A more interesting fact is that Africa has the safest and friendliest climate on earth with the least natural disasters. I long for authentic, patriotic African leaders who will concentrate on Africa’s real problems (poverty & disease) and not follow whatever the west says.
Oh no! This is not fiction! I went to Chipata after 20 years last year and I was shocked to see how the trees have disappeared from the surrounding hills. The result is soil erosion has silted the once flowing Lunkhwakwa river in which we swam in the 70s. Luntembwe dam is also silted and much smaller than it is when it was first built in 1970. Deforestation is a real problem. Climate on earth is controlled by the oceans. Revisit your high school Geography and you will understand that one part of the world affects another. I am pro-African but if we are not careful we will end up where the west is…No real wildlife to talk about.
Bravo my bro,
You really are an ex- Chipatan. The way you describe all those amenities. Was there 4 months ago.
Yaba zoona so no chitemene system. Is it party of deforestation? Anyway this govt wing has been on holiday 4 real. Reason why timber is smugled out of zed
sounds like a great idea!!
Next time the ministry should try to carry out this exercise at the beginning of the rain season because now the rain reason is coming to the end it will be difficult for the planted trees to survive
Nine Chale, I am confused, is there not only one atmosphere? Certainly the West caused the problem, and should have to pay for it, but that doesn’t change the fact that the trees will help Zambia cope with the effects. Wood and wood products are among the fastest growing export products. How is reforestation counter to development?
This department has been extremely ineffective for some time now. They have not been moving in tandum with environmental and climate changes issues. They are too preoccupied with charcoal burners right now.
Nine chale #3, awe kwena wabepa mune. We can not afford to sit back and pretend we are safe. what those guys are doing will definately affect our weather patterns as well. it is no wonder why floods are becoming a common phenomena even in zambia. The increase in el-ninos and la-nina has something to do with the global climate change. Try to do you own independent research and you will agree with me. Have a nice day!!!
Why not make it a commission?
Excellent ideas but what we say must culminate into real and tangible action.For instance the FD needs to be restructured or transformed into a vibrant semi autonomous body,and the poliies and laws suporting this strategy are still gathering dust,and have not been activated.Hon Minister work on these issues and we will see change and improvements in the forestry sector in Zambia.