NGO Urges Forestry Department to Combat Deforestation Amid Load Shedding
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 9 September 2024
By Mafken Staff Reporter
Care for Nature Zambia has called on the forestry department on the Copperbelt Province to seek sustainable solutions to combat the surge in tree cutting driven by prolonged load shedding across the country.
Executive Director Kearns Nsama tells Mafken News that the ongoing power shortages have escalated the demand for charcoal, significantly impacting forest preservation.
She emphasized the urgent need for strategies to mitigate charcoal production and reduce deforestation, pointing out that Zambia’s reliance on hydro power will continue to contribute to electricity shortages.
Ms Nsama urged government to address the issue by implementing measures to curb charcoal production. She also recommended that the forestry department initiate awareness programs to educate charcoal producers about the critical importance of forest conservation
