Zambia has launched the US$9 million Global Environment Facility GEF-8 programme aimed at restoring the Kafue Flats ecosystem, strengthening climate resilience, and improving livelihoods for communities across Southern and Central Provinces.
Implemented under the Kafue Flats Restoration Partnership KFRP, the five-year programme will be managed by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, WWF Zambia and the International Crane Foundation ICF.
The launch took place at Samu Lya Moomba National Heritage Site, led by Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba, traditional leaders, cooperating partners, stakeholders and local communities in Monze on Friday.
Chibamba said the initiative reflected Government’s commitment to climate resilience, evidence-based environmental management and sustainable development, as the country continues to face increasing climate shocks.
“The Kafue Flats remains a strategic national ecosystem supporting agriculture, fisheries, livestock, hydropower generation, biodiversity and thousands of rural livelihoods,” he said.
Chibamba emphasized that the Kafue Flats was one of Zambia’s most important wetlands, supporting biodiversity, water security and economic activity for millions of people downstream.
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International Crane Foundation President Dr. Rich Beilfuss commended the Government for its strong leadership in advancing wetland conservation and building effective global partnerships for ecosystem restoration.
“The partnership will help scale up restoration efforts, strengthen scientific monitoring systems, and promote innovative, community-centered conservation approaches,” Beilfuss said.
Beilfuss said the Kafue Flats programme represented a critical investment in ecological recovery, community resilience and long-term sustainable management of one of Africa’s most significant wetland systems.
he programme is expected to support wetland rehabilitation, climate-smart agriculture, ecotourism development, rotational grazing systems, fire management, fisheries protection, and community enterprise development across Namwala, Monze, Mazabuka, Mumbwa, Shibuyunji and Itezhi-Tezhi districts.
More than 5,000 people are expected to directly benefit from improved livelihoods and resilience interventions under the five-year programme.
Over 600,000 hectares covering Lochinvar and Blue Lagoon National Parks, the wider Kafue Flats and surrounding game management areas will benefit from enhanced ecosystem restoration and protection.
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