Reports from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment reveal that Copperbelt Province has over 500,000 hectares of national forests, with more than 13,000 hectares completely depleted and over 500,000 hectares heavily encroached. The province is losing its forest cover at an alarming rate, with an estimated monthly loss of 6,000 trees in each of the ten districts. This trend mirrors the national situation, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to protect Zambia’s forests and address climate change impacts. Deforestation threatens livelihoods, contributes to environmental degradation, and undermines sustainable development, making it critical for coordinated efforts to restore and conserve forested areas.
In response, the Zambia Army launched Operation “Byala Mitengo” last year, a tree planting initiative aimed at restoring deforested areas and promoting environmental sustainability. The initiative, pioneered by Brigadier General Joyce Puta (Rtd), targets both degraded forests and previously barren lands. Yesterday, the operation extended to the Military Training Establishment of Zambia (MILTEZ) under the leadership of Brig Gen (Dr) Golden Ng’andwe, marking the expansion of the program beyond Lusaka to other military cantonments. Over 100 trees were scheduled to be planted at MILTEZ, emphasizing the army’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges through active participation.
Brig Gen Puta highlighted the importance of trees in maintaining a healthy environment and called on members of the Defence Force to actively engage in forest restoration. She noted that the initiative includes a robust sensitisation program aimed at educating communities about conservation and the impacts of deforestation. The success of the operation depends on collective effort, with the Zambia Army collaborating with other stakeholders to create a greener and more sustainable future. She stressed the need for effective strategies to mitigate forest loss, warning that deforestation can lead to loss of livelihoods and displacement for communities reliant on forest resources.
Brig Gen (Dr) Ng’andwe encouraged Officers and Soldiers to adopt gas stoves instead of charcoal to reduce pressure on forest resources. This measure complements the tree planting initiative and highlights the importance of sustainable energy alternatives in curbing deforestation. Col Paul Sapezo expressed gratitude to Brig Gen Puta and committed to playing a key role in mitigating the effects of forest loss through support for the army’s environmental programs. The collaborative effort demonstrates the potential of institutional engagement in addressing Zambia’s environmental challenges.
Operation “Byala Mitengo” represents a strategic approach by the Zambia Army to combat deforestation and support national environmental goals. By leveraging its resources and personnel, the army aims to create a measurable impact on forest restoration while fostering awareness of sustainable practices among communities. The initiative contributes to climate change mitigation, preservation of biodiversity, and the protection of natural resources essential for food security and livelihoods. Through continued expansion of tree planting exercises and community engagement, the Zambia Army is positioning itself as a key actor in building a sustainable and resilient environmental future for Zambia.