On 1 February 2026, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, through the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP), in partnership with Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO), officially launched the 2026 implementation of the Chiefdom Voices for Conservation radio programme series. The initiative will run across all 56 chiefdoms in Eastern Province, providing a platform for traditional leaders to share perspectives on greenhouse gas emission reduction, conservation, and sustainable land-use practices within their communities.
The launch was marked by a live phone-in programme on Breeze FM under the theme: “Where traditional leadership, conservation, and community futures meet.” Chief Munukwa of the Ngoni people of Chipangali, who also chairs the Eastern Province Chiefs Council, commended the programme for strengthening communication and community sensitisation on environmental conservation. He emphasised that collaboration between government, traditional leaders, EP-JSLP, COMACO, and cooperating partners would significantly reduce deforestation caused by charcoal production and other unsustainable practices. “With such collaboration, we will definitely reduce the indiscriminate cutting of trees and enhance environmental restoration and conservation across the province,” Chief Munukwa said.
EP-JSLP Environmental and Social Inclusion Officer Godfrey Phiri explained that the partnership between EP-JSLP and COMACO is guided by the Nested Emission Reduction Performance Agreement (NERPA). The agreement focuses on reducing emissions through sustainable forest management, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and adopting efficient wood-saving cookstoves. “This partnership is focused on reducing emissions in line with EP-JSLP objectives while promoting sustainable livelihoods for communities,” Mr. Phiri said. He further revealed that EP-JSLP is collaborating with BioCarbon Partners (BCP) as another nested carbon credit developer to strengthen environmental protection and climate change mitigation efforts in the province.
COMACO Conservation Manager Nemiah Tembo reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting climate-smart agriculture as a pathway to forest restoration and improved soil health. He highlighted the critical role of traditional leaders in ensuring that conservation messages effectively reach local communities. Mr. Tembo also acknowledged continued support from chiefs, government institutions, and development partners in advancing benefit-sharing mechanisms under the jurisdictional programme. “Working closely with traditional leaders ensures that conservation and benefit-sharing information reaches every chiefdom and supports sustainable development,” he said.
The EP-JSLP is implemented by the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, with support from the World Bank. The programme aims to strengthen environmental stewardship, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable livelihoods across Eastern Province, positioning traditional leadership at the centre of conservation efforts.