Mpika District Commissioner, David Siame, has emphasised the need for sustainable utilisation of land and natural resources as a critical measure in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change in Muchinga Province and the country at large.
Mr Siame said this during a two-day stakeholders’ meeting held in Mpika that brought together participants from Kanchibiya, Lavushimanda and Mpika Districts to discuss climate-resilient, land governance and sustainable natural resource management.
The District Commissioner noted that the meeting was important as it provided stakeholders with an opportunity to explore ways of supporting community-led initiatives aimed at promoting climate resilience and implementing adaptation priorities in targeted areas.
Mr Siame said prudent utilisation of land remains one of the most effective ways of addressing the challenges posed by climate change and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
“We want stakeholders to know how best to address issues of climate change through prudent utilisation of land,” he said.
Mr Siame commended the People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia (PPHPZ), working in partnership with WeForest Zambia, for their continued support towards promoting sustainable land use and conservation of natural resources in various parts of the province.
He further urged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and identify practical approaches to sustainable forest utilisation that would benefit both local communities and the environment.
Mr Siame also praised traditional leaders among them Senior Chief Kopa, Chief Luchembe, Chief Mpumba and Chief Chikwanda, for their leadership and commitment to promoting sustainable land management practices in their respective chiefdoms.
Meanwhile, WeForest Zambia Country Director, Fainess Lumbwe, stressed the importance of developing community adaptation plans to strengthen resilience against climate change in the four chiefdoms represented at the meeting.
Dr Lumbwe said WeForest remains committed to supporting the development of adaptation plans in the four chiefdoms to guide sustainable utilisation of forests and other natural resources.
She explained that adaptation plans provide communities with a framework for managing natural resources responsibly, while enhancing environmental conservation and livelihoods.
Dr Lumbwe added that her organisation has been conducting capacity-building programmes for community members in the four chiefdoms to equip them with knowledge and skills on sustainable forest management.
She expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm shown by communities towards developing their own land-use plans tailored to their unique needs and opportunities within their areas.
Dr Lumbwe explained that the land-use plans would enable communities to determine the type of investments and development activities suitable for their localities.
Speaking on behalf of community members, Mubanga Lewison of Luchembe Chiefdom, commended WeForest for organising the stakeholders’ meeting, describing it as a valuable platform for enhancing knowledge on sustainable land and natural resource management.
Mr Lewison encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop for the benefit of their communities.
