Hon. Mposha Calls for Unity in Conservation Efforts at National CBNRM Conference
Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha, MP, has urged stakeholders to collaborate in building a sustainable future for Zambia.
Speaking at the 8th National Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Conference at Mika Convention Center in Chongwe, the Minister highlighted the importance of participatory governance and grassroots engagement in conservation efforts.
This year’s conference, themed “Promoting Participatory Governance and Collaboration to Empower Communities for Sustainable Futures and Natural Resource Stewardship,” emphasizes the transformative power of collective action.
Hon. Mposha emphasized the critical role of local communities in safeguarding forests, rivers, and wildlife. “Empowering these voices ensures conservation is not a directive from the top but a partnership built from the grassroots, bound for success,” he stated.
He acknowledged the invaluable leadership of traditional leaders as cultural custodians and stewards of biodiversity, praising their unwavering support for conservation, even amidst challenges.
The Minister noted the need for robust governance structures, such as Community Resource Boards (CRBs) and Community Forest Management Groups (CFMGs), to enhance national conservation efforts.
He identified climate change, legislative fragmentation, and international restrictions as significant obstacles to conservation goals, stressing the importance of addressing these issues through open dialogue and constructive global engagement.
Recent developments, including the Ministry of Tourism’s launch of an integrated CBNRM policy, mark a pivotal step forward. Hon. Mposha called for practical implementation of the policy, urging stakeholders to align efforts under a harmonized legal framework.
The Minister also outlined transformative opportunities, such as eco-tourism, biodiversity credits, and global carbon markets, to boost rural economies and empower marginalized groups. He emphasized the need for inclusive governance that incorporates women and youth in decision-making processes.
As Zambia battles critical conservation challenges, including poaching, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, the conference aims to foster innovative solutions and chart a sustainable path forward for the nation’s natural resources.
