Chipata, Zambia is witnessing steady progress in climate governance as traditional leadership and government programmes align to strengthen environmental action at community level. On April 19, 2026, the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme (EP-JSLP) recorded a major milestone when Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people formally endorsed the Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Coordinating Committee (CERCC) for his chiefdom. The programme is implemented by the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment with support from the World Bank. It focuses on improving land management, reducing emissions, and strengthening local governance systems across Eastern Province. This endorsement signals growing trust and participation from traditional authorities in climate-focused development efforts.
The EP-JSLP continues to expand its footprint across the province through structured community engagement and institutional development. The programme has been designed to work directly with chiefdoms, ensuring that climate action is locally driven and culturally supported. Through sensitisation meetings and election processes, communities are actively involved in selecting representatives to manage emissions reduction efforts. This approach strengthens ownership and ensures that interventions reflect local priorities and realities. It also builds a foundation for long-term sustainability by integrating traditional leadership into formal environmental governance systems.
In a key development, ten committee members were elected to form the CERCC for Mpezeni’s chiefdom. These members come from diverse community structures, including Community Forest Management Groups, cooperative groups, women’s groups, lead and follower farmers, Village Action Groups and Community Resources Boards. Their selection reflects an inclusive process that captures a wide range of local voices and expertise. The committee was formally presented at Ekuphendukeni Palace in Chipata District, where Paramount Chief Mpezeni endorsed both the CERCC and the Chiefdom Emissions Performance Plan (CERPP). This endorsement confirms the committee’s authority and readiness to coordinate emissions reduction activities at chiefdom level.
The EP-JSLP is currently establishing CERCCs across all 56 chiefdoms in Eastern Province as part of its broader governance framework. These committees are designed to improve coordination, strengthen accountability and ensure consistent implementation of climate interventions. Each CERCC works in line with Chiefdom Emission Reduction Performance Agreements (CERPAs), which define clear targets and performance indicators for participating communities. These agreements formalise commitments between traditional leaders, government structures and local communities. They also provide a structured system for monitoring progress and ensuring that environmental goals are met effectively.
During the endorsement ceremony, Paramount Chief Mpezeni stressed the importance of unity and collective responsibility in achieving the programme’s objectives. He urged committee members to work closely with headmen and headwomen across the chiefdom to ensure smooth coordination and inclusive participation. His message focused on shared responsibility and long-term commitment to community development and environmental protection. He highlighted that success depends on teamwork and consistent engagement at all levels of leadership. His endorsement reinforced the role of traditional authority in guiding development initiatives that affect local communities directly.
Other traditional leaders have also expressed support for the programme. Senior Chief Mwase of the Chewa people in Lundazi District acknowledged the efforts of the EP-JSLP team in facilitating the formation of the CERCC in his chiefdom. He confirmed his full support following the successful election and presentation of committee members for endorsement. He emphasized the importance of accountability, loyalty and cooperation between community members and traditional leadership. His support reflects a broader acceptance of the programme across different chiefdoms in the province.
The operationalisation of CERCCs plays a central role in ensuring effective implementation of Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Performance Plans. These committees are responsible for coordinating activities, tracking progress and reporting on outcomes linked to emissions reduction targets. They also ensure compliance with agreed performance frameworks under the CERPA system. This structure helps maintain consistency across all participating chiefdoms and strengthens overall programme delivery. It also creates a reliable system for measuring environmental impact and community participation.
Progress on the ground continues to grow as the Project Implementation Unit works with key stakeholders to establish CERCCs across all targeted chiefdoms. So far, 22 out of 56 chiefdoms have successfully endorsed their committees, showing steady advancement of the programme. Sensitisation activities and election processes are ongoing in remaining areas, with new committees regularly presented to traditional leaders for approval. This gradual rollout ensures that each chiefdom is properly engaged and prepared before implementation begins. It also helps build strong foundations for effective governance structures across the province.
The EP-JSLP continues to demonstrate how collaboration between government institutions, international partners and traditional leadership can drive meaningful environmental change. The involvement of chiefs, committees and community groups ensures that climate action is not only policy-driven but also community-led. This model strengthens sustainable land use practices while improving resilience to environmental challenges. As more chiefdoms adopt CERCC structures, Eastern Province is positioning itself as a key region for climate governance innovation. The progress achieved so far highlights the importance of inclusive leadership in addressing environmental and development challenges at scale.