Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people has indorsed the Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Coordinating Committee (CERCC) for his chiefdom, marking a key milestone for the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP).
The endorsement was made at Ekuphendukeni Palace in Chipata District, where 10 newly elected committee members were formally presented.
This is according to a statement availed to the media by Communications Officer, Creavat Chituta for Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP) under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment
Mr Chituta explained that the Paramount Chief also endorsed the Chiefdom Emissions Performance Plan (CERPP), affirming the committee’s legitimacy to spearhead emissions reduction interventions at chiefdom level.
He added that the EP-JSLP is implemented by the government through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment with support from the World Bank.
“The programme is working to establish formal climate governance structures across all 56 chiefdoms in Eastern Province to coordinate implementation and sustain performance under Chiefdom Emission Reduction Performance Agreements (CERPAs),” he said.
Mr Chituta stated that the agreements formalise commitments by traditional authorities and communities, to carry out emission reduction interventions based on agreed performance indicators and targets.
“Committee members were drawn from Community Forest Management Groups, Cooperatives, Women’s Groups, Lead and Follower Farmers, Village Action Groups, and Community Resources Boards. Their election followed a community engagement and sensitisation process,” he said.
He further said Paramount Chief Mpezeni called for unity, teamwork, and inclusive participation and urged the committee to work closely with headmen and headwomen across the chiefdom to achieve lasting environmental and community outcomes.
“This committee must work as one, with a shared vision for the development of our chiefdom and the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Mwase of the Chewa people in Lundazi District also expressed support for the programme following the successful election and presentation of CERCC members in his chiefdom.
Mr Chituta further said the CERCCs are responsible for coordinating the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of CERPPs to ensure compliance with agreed performance frameworks under the jurisdictional emissions reduction programme.
“The rollout highlights the role of traditional leadership and community participation in strengthening governance systems, promoting sustainable land use, and enhancing climate resilience across the province,” he said.
