By JACKSON MAPAPAYI
ABOUR 300, 000 hectares of Zambia’s land every year is negatively impacted due to land clearing for agricultural purposes as well as charcoal burning, it has been learnt. This came to light during the commemoration of the World Environment Day held in Kasempa under the theme “ecosystem restoration”. Kasempa District Commissioner Phylosopher Chandamali disclosed that the district has in the recent past seen an increase in cutting down of trees a situation he described as unfortunate.
He said if left unchecked, the situation will lead to environmental degradation and contribute to climate change. He said the impact of climate change is one of the underlying factors affecting key livelihoods of many communities. “And in return, climate change is affecting key factors of livelihood in many communities. The more reason why we should all take keen interest in protecting the environment,” he said Mr Chandamali however indicated that government is doing everything possible in ensuring that there is a sustainable utilisation and management of natural resources in the country through the formulation of policies and Acts.
He disclosed that some of the policies and Acts formulated so far include the National Policy on Environment of 2007, the Forest Act No 4 of 2015, the Environmental Management Act No 12 of 2011, the National Policy on Climate change and Biodiversity Strategy and action plan among others. And Diakonia programmes officer Maimbo Kalenge disclosed that her organization has a newly funded program by the Swidish International Development Agency (SiDA) which is prioritising environmental protection. She said her organization is coming in to share the space with CARITAS Solwezi so that it leaves an environmental footprint in communities it is working in
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