Zambian Chiefs Back Green Living Movement’s Mission with 100-Hectare Land Donation
Traditional leaders from across Zambia have honoured the Green Living Movement (GLM) for its 25 years of championing sustainable development, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship. The gesture came as part of GLM’s Silver Jubilee celebrations held in Lusaka, where chiefs from various regions pledged land to support the organisation’s continued work.
Chief Chibale of the Lala people in Serenje District, Central Province, announced the donation of 100 hectares of land for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Development. The land, he said, symbolises a deep bond between his Chiefdom and GLM, forged through 25 years of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Reflecting on the partnership, Chief Chibale commended GLM’s “transformative role” in advancing social, economic, and environmental progress through agroforestry, sustainable land use, and market linkages. He noted that the organisation’s community-driven initiatives had improved food security, restored soil fertility, and increased household incomes across Serenje.
“GLM has shown that development and culture can coexist, enabling communities to modernise without losing their identity,” he said.
He also praised the organisation’s contribution to local infrastructure, including the construction of schools, a modern health facility, a bridge, and housing projects, urging government, civil society, and the private sector to emulate GLM’s model of community-centred development.
In Southern Province, Chieftainess Sinazongwe donated 10 hectares of land to GLM, recognising its efforts in promoting environmental stewardship in her mining and climate-vulnerable district. She hailed GLM’s leadership, describing its Executive Director, Mr. Mutamba, as “a giant of a man” leading a committed team dedicated to Africa’s ecological resilience.
Meanwhile, Chief Mumba of Mumbwa District applauded GLM’s 25-year contribution to sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation. He particularly highlighted the establishment of a Seed Bank for indigenous seeds, a vital initiative safeguarding biodiversity and food sovereignty.
“The soil is not only a source of food and income but a foundation for our health and resilience,” Chief Mumba stated, calling for the expansion of GLM’s projects across surrounding villages.
The chiefs collectively praised GLM for empowering farmers with practical knowledge in agroecology, climate adaptation, and enterprise development, turning farming into a sustainable livelihood rather than a subsistence activity.