Zambia among ten countries with highest deforestation rate

United Nations (UN) Resident Representative Janet Rogan has disclosed that Zambia has been rated among the top ten countries with the highest deforestation rates in the world.

Ms Rogan says studies by the UN joint programme to reduce emissions from deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD) have shown that there are many drivers of deforestation and forestry degradation in Zambia including sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, forestry and infrastructure development.

Ms Rogan states that deforestation and forestry degradation have negative impacts on the economy and overall livelihoods in terms of food security, water security, and energy security.

Ms Rogan explains that Zambia’s National REDD strategy offers an opportunity to integrate climate change and development efforts to support sustainable development.

She has welcomed the steps taken by government to develop the climate change policy and to establish the climate change secretariat, which together provide a framework for coordinated response to climate change.

The UN Resident Representative said this in Lusaka during a high level dialogue meeting on Zambia’s strategy to reduce deforestation and forestry degradation (REDD).

Speaking at the same event, Republican Vice President Inonge Wina says currently, Zambia is estimated to lose about 250, 000 to 300, 000 hectares of land every year due to various drivers such as unsustainable agriculture practices, charcoal production, illegal timber production and infrastructure development including mining.

In a speech read on her behalf by Lands Minister Christabel Ngimbu, Ms Wina says REDD Plus programme has enabled Zambia develop the national strategy to reduce deforestation.