Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, says government is committed to ensuring sustainable landscape management and equitable sharing of benefits from carbon markets under the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EPJSLP).
Mr Thole says the EPJSLP 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.
In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Lewis Mwape, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on fuel wood consumption held in Chipata, Mr Thole said the 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.
He explained that 30 percent will go to the private carbon project developers while 55 percent will directly go 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,” he said.
Mr Thole revealed that the engagement was aimed at strengthening dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable fuel wood 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 fuel wood use while reducing AFOLU related emissions,” he said.
He further said all recommendations arising from the engagement must remain practical, realistic, and within the operational mandate of the EPJSLP to ensure effective and sustainable implementation.
The US$43 million World Bank funded project seeks to reduce deforestation, promote sustainable land use, and cut greenhouse gas emissions across the province.
And 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 EPJSLP.
EPJSLP Programme Coordinator, Noel Muchimba, said the programme aims to generate payments to the programme entity for measured, reported, and verified emission reductions with proceeds distributed in accordance with an agreed benefit sharing plan.
Mr Muchimba said the programme’s major components are expected outcomes, highlighting benefits such as environmental conservation, improved livelihoods, and sustainable natural resource management.
The traditional leadership has welcomed the initiative and expressed commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at reducing deforestation in the province.
And in a vote of thanks on behalf of the traditional leaders, Chieftainess Kawaza of Katete and Sinda districts commended the government for consistently chiefs in development programmes.
The traditional ruler noted that chiefs remain key stakeholders in both national and local development initiatives.
The University of Zambia (UNZA), the Ministry of Energy, Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO), and several private sector organisations made presentations during the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by several traditional leaders namely chieftainess Kawaza, chief Sandwe, chief Chikomeni, chief Zumwanda, chief Kazembe, chief Jumbe, and chief Nyalungwe, and representatives from various government departments.
The EPJSLP 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 the use of fuel wood 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.
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