In its effort to promote environmentalism, the Rural Electrification Authority has flagged off a tree planting programme in Chifunabuli district of Luapula province. The exercise is meant to replenish trees that have been cut down during rural electrification project implementation process.

The programme, which was officiated by the Minister of Energy, Peter Kapala will be implemented under the theme “Save nature so nature can serve you”. The Minister expressed happiness that this was the second time a project of this magnitude was being implemented. In 2021, the Authority planted 2,500 trees on 3.5 hectares of land at the source of the Chambeshi river in Mbala District.

“This initiative is meant to contribute to the reduction of Zambia’s carbon footprint and achievements of the country’s carbon dioxide emission targets. This exercise will also ensure the rural electrification programme, whose aim is to increase access to electricity and improve the quality of life for people in rural areas is done in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner” he said.

“Tree planting in Lubwe is timely because the predominant activity in the community is fishing which has led to large scale clearing of forests for curing fish. Further, clearing land for farming and charcoal production has accelerated the rate of deforestation on the island. 

Mr Kapala said government would continue to support initiatives that contributed to achieving the Nationally Determined Contribution to climate change and commitments made at the 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference.