Zambia Receives $137 Million Climate Funding from International Partners
The Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike E Mposha, has launched the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development II (TRALARD II) Project, a major initiative aimed at strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable land management across Zambia.
The project, valued at US$137 million, is supported by key cooperating partners, including the World Bank Group, Nordic Development Fund, Climate Investment Fund, Least Developed Countries Fund, Global Environment Facility, and the Scaling Climate Action by Lowering Emissions initiative.
Speaking during the launch in Monze, the Minister, represented by Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba, commended the swift preparation process, which took less than eleven months from concept to approval.
He noted that delays in accessing climate financing often increase adaptation costs and weaken mitigation efforts.
TRALARD II will be implemented across five provinces, namely Copperbelt, Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, and Southern, targeting 32 districts and benefiting more than 600,000 people. The initiative places natural resources such as land, forests, and water at the centre of its interventions.
Key activities under the programme include wetland restoration, reforestation of degraded areas, protection of riverbanks, promotion of climate-smart agriculture, and investment in community infrastructure such as irrigation schemes, water harvesting systems, canals, and crossing points.
The project will prioritise vulnerable groups, including smallholder farmers, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and pastoralists, with a focus on equitable access to resources, secure land tenure, and inclusive participation.
Additionally, TRALARD II incorporates an Emissions Reduction Programme in Muchinga Province aimed at generating carbon credits through sustainable land management, enabling Zambia to access international carbon markets.
The Minister called on traditional leaders to support village-level land use planning and community forest governance. He also urged the private sector and financial institutions to develop tailored financial products and invest in financial literacy initiatives.
“The choices we make today in managing these resources will determine whether future generations inherit resilience or vulnerability, abundance or scarcity,” he said, emphasising the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Government has further reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the utilisation of project resources, building on the successes of TRALARD I.
Meanwhile, Chief Choongo of the Tonga people in Monze District welcomed the initiative, commending Government for including Southern Province and ensuring the involvement of traditional leaders in the implementation process.
The launch was attended by several traditional leaders, senior government officials, representatives from cooperating partners, and financial institutions.
