Care for Nature Zambia has called on the forestry department on the Copperbelt Province to seek sustainable solutions to combat the surge in tree cutting driven by prolonged load shedding across the country.
Executive Director Kearns Nsama tells Diamond News that the ongoing power shortages have escalated the demand for charcoal, significantly impacting forest preservation.
She emphasized the urgent need for strategies to mitigate charcoal production and reduce deforestation, pointing out that Zambia’s reliance on hydro power will continue to contribute to electricity shortages.
Meanwhile, some charcoal burners spoken to have disclosed that they are aware of the effects of cutting down trees but have no other sources of income apart from the charcoal business.
By Rogan Labika