In an exciting move towards a greener future, World Vision Zambia in partnership with the Zambian government and other partners have launched the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Business Plan initiative to restore 2 million hectares of degraded land in Zambia by 2033, aimed to tackle the country’s escalating land degradation crisis.
Speaking during the launch of the Business plan, Green Economy and Environment Minister Collins Nzovu in a speech read on his behalf by ministry Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba expressed pleasure with the initiative, stating its significant role in addressing Zambia’s high rate of deforestation, estimated at 172,000 hectares annually.
Mr. Nzovu said the initiative is crucial in protecting land and forests, which are vital for the livelihoods of over 1.6 million Zambians in the rural.
The Minister noted that charcoal and fuel production, agricultural expansion, and mining have contributed to deforestation and increased greenhouse gas emissions and must be reversed.
Meanwhile speaking at the same event, World Vision Zambia’s Acting National Director Ngoza Kabaso emphasized that the program aligns with government’s aspirations for sustainable land management and climate change mitigation.
She said world vision’s strategic goal is to contribute to the sustained well-being and improved livelihoods of Zambians, and the initiative is a significant step.
Ms. Kabaso added that as global partnership, World Vision leads a bold vision to restore 1 billion hectares of degraded land worldwide by scaling up FMNR for the benefit of current and future generations.
And World Vision Zambia’s Board of Directors, led by Board Chairperson Mable Mungomba, stated that the business plan was initiated in response to the escalating challenge of land degradation.
Further Ms Mungomba added that World Vision Zambia is playing a vital role in promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment for future generations.
“Charcoal and fuel production, agricultural expansion, and mining have contributed to deforestation and increased greenhouse gas emissions and must be reversed,” the Minister said.
