46% of emissions in eastern province emanate from forest degradation and clearance.

A recent baseline assessment of greenhouse gas emissions has revealed that more than 46% of emissions in eastern province emanate from forest degradation of the standing forests and 16% from forest clearance.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of 15 motorbikes to forestry department in eastern province purchased by the Zambia integrated forest landscape project and the flagging off of seven motor vehicles and one folk lifter, ministry of green economy and environment permanent secretary john Msimuko says the emissions in eastern province relate to deforestation and degradation due to fuel wood use for household firewood, charcoal production and tobacco as well degradation due to fires.

Mr Msimuko says in view of this situation, the government is committed to improving the operations of the forestry department.

He says through the Zambia integrated forest landscape project, government has acquired the motorbikes at a huge cost, to improve the mobility of personnel in the forestry department in eastern province.

Mr Msimuko has thanked the global environment facility through the world bank for its continued support in supplementing government efforts to reduce emissions in the country.