The New Dawn Government has made a significant stride in climate action, sustainable land management, and community development with the signing of the Nested Emission Reduction Performance Agreement (NERPA) between BioCarbon Partners (BCP) and the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP). The agreement was formalized at a high-level ceremony led by Dr. Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, representing Minister Mike Elton Mposha, MP.
Dr. Chibamba described the signing as a milestone of national significance, highlighting the government’s commitment to climate mitigation, community resilience, and responsible stewardship of natural resources. He noted that the agreement strengthens partnerships between government, private sector actors, and communities, ensuring credible and transparent outcomes in the carbon market.
The NERPA integrates BioCarbon Partners’ REDD+ projects within the jurisdictional framework of the EP-JSLP, aligning private carbon initiatives with government-led oversight. This structure enhances transparency, accountability, and integrity in carbon credit generation and distribution. It also builds on the successful conclusion of 56 Chiefdom Emission Reduction Performance Agreements across Eastern Province, demonstrating strong commitment from traditional leaders and rural communities to sustainable land-use practices.
Under the EP-JSLP, Eastern Province is projected to generate approximately 28.9 million tonnes of carbon credits for sale to international buyers, including the World Bank. Revenue from these credits will be shared according to an agreed framework, with 55 percent going to communities, 30 percent to private project developers, and 15 percent to government and programme operations. The government has already secured USD 30 million from the World Bank for the purchase of 3 million tonnes of verified emission reductions.
The agreement enables transparent allocation of funds to BioCarbon Partners based on performance in implementing climate mitigation initiatives, including sustainable forest management, climate-smart agriculture, and distribution of energy-efficient cookstoves. Dr. Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, praised the partnership as a model for effective public–private collaboration, highlighting its potential to reduce emissions while improving livelihoods, food security, and economic growth.
BCP Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Mudaly welcomed the agreement, describing it as a historic achievement that fully integrates the Luangwa Community Forest Project into Zambia’s national jurisdictional REDD+ system. The ceremony featured the presentation of dummy cheques and ATM cards symbolizing USD 3 million in community carbon payments to chiefdoms, marking the transition into the jurisdictional programme.
Chieftainess Msoro of Mambwe District commended the government, World Bank, and BCP for ensuring that forest protection delivers tangible benefits to communities, emphasizing recognition for community scouts and local custodians.
The NERPA signing reinforces Zambia’s leadership in high-integrity, transparent, and inclusive carbon markets. Under President Hakainde Hichilema, the government continues to prioritize a green economy that delivers practical benefits to rural households while strengthening the country’s contribution to global climate solutions.