ZAMBIA: between 2024 and 2027, the EU will support sustainable forest management

Over the next four years, Zambia will strengthen the management of its forests in response to global warming and with a view to promoting ecotourism. To achieve this objective, the East African country will rely on financial and technical support from the European Union (EU). A roadmap was signed recently in the capital Lusaka by Collins Nzovu, the Zambian Minister of Green Economy and Environment and the European Commissioner for Climate Action.

According to the Dutchman Wopke Hoekstra, this partnership is part of the  EU's Global Gateway which aims to stimulate sustainable and inclusive investments, particularly on the African continent.  Between 2024 and 2027, this will therefore involve strengthening the conservation and restoration of forest biodiversity (fauna and flora) and improving the livelihoods and resilience of local communities.

One of the long-term objectives is the creation of new jobs to reduce unemployment, even if it is only around 6% currently according to World Bank estimates. European support will therefore enable the government of President Hakainde Hichilema to ensure eco-responsible development of the value chains of products such as honey, and to “massively” promote ecotourism to enhance the wildlife and flora potential of several natural sites. including the Kafue National Park which is currently being rehabilitated.

It is the largest protected area in Zambia (22,400 km2 ⁾ with 515 species of birds. Its management was delegated in 2022 to the South African non-governmental organization (NGO) African Parks with the specific mission: the construction of a new law enforcement center, the leveling of 2,000 km of roads for visitor access, carrying out an aerial census for the entire landscape as well as the creation of 150 jobs for young people.