Government has praised a community forest conservation group in Mafinga District IN Muchinga Province for its contribution to the protection of the Luangwa River source through forest conservation efforts.
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary, Douty Chimbamba said the Lighton Community Forest Management Group from Chief Mwenechifungwe’s Chiefdom in Mafinga is protecting over 300 hectares of forestry, a development he said is key in the preservation of the Luangwa River source.
ZANIS reports that Dr Chibamba said this when he led the national Steering Committee for the Sustainable Luangwa Project to check on efforts that communities are making in the preservation of the river source.
He commended the group for showing commitment to the calls of protecting the forest.
“I’m very impressed that the community themselves can do this and you can see that the forest looks quite intact and we know that we can even make it much better,” he said.
He has pledged government commitment to support the group with necessary tools such as beehives and small animals to enable them to engage in alternative livelihood.
“All they need is a small incentive. When we give beehives, we will give them small livestock to enable them engage in alternative livelihoods,” he said
The permanent who also visited a farmer group that is involved in climate-smart agriculture commended the cooperatives for their strides.
Meanwhile, Lighton Community Forest Management Group Chairperson, Godwin Simbeye said his group is making these efforts to conserve forestry after they have educated on its importance.
He said by conserving forests, people are now able to pick mushrooms, engage in beekeeping, and other productive ventures.
And Steward Kaira, a lead farmer from Muleya Cooperative said the group has benefited from the training of the Sustainable Luangwa Project and is able to make its own organic manure through compost.
The Sustainable Luangwa Project is a government support project that aims to protect the source of the Luangwa River in Mafinga District, Muchinga.
