Zambia, Katanga cement ties on forests, climate
By Ludia Ngwadzai
ZAMBIA and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Katanga Province have agreed to strengthen cooperation on sustainable forest management and climate action.
The cooperation will focus on investment and cross-border protection of shared natural resources.
It was reached on Saturday when Katanga’s Provincial Minister in Charge of Economy, Commerce, Transport and Tourism George Mbau toured the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment pavilion at the 60th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola.
Mbau said Zambia and the DRC faced common environmental threats such as deforestation and the negative impact of climate change.
He said stronger cross-border collaboration was important to safeguarding forests and improving livelihoods for communities that depended on them.
“Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo possess enormous untapped economic opportunities that can be harnessed through stronger bilateral cooperation, particularly in the forestry sector,” Mbau said.
He said the visit reflected Katanga’s commitment to partnerships that supported environmental sustainability while creating green economic opportunities for both countries.
Acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Ranford Simumbwe said the meeting provided a platform to showcase Zambia’s programmes, policies and forestry investment opportunities to international delegates.
“The meeting will be accelerated to a high-level engagement,” Simumbwe said.
He said the ministry was committed to regional cooperation on environmental protection, climate action and sustainable resource management.
“Partnerships with neighbouring countries are critical to addressing transboundary environmental challenges and unlocking opportunities for green growth and sustainable development across the region,” Simumbwe said.
