4umbwa firm launches alternative charcoal project
Cotton Ginnery has embarked on a charcoal making pilot project to reduce deforestation in the district.
Mumbwa 'istrict Commissioner, Felix 1dopu said deforestation was a great concern in the area adding that if left unchecNed it would affect the climate.
SpeaNing in an interview, Mr 1dopu said the staff at the plant were conducting research with a team from 1etherlands on how to maNe charcoal from the stocNs.
+e said the proMect once implemented would reduce deforestation and contribute to climate change.
³Mumbwa Cotton *innery plant is now worNing on a proMect for charcoal maNing from cotton stocNs instead of cutting down trees.
This will reduce deforestation,´ said Mr 1dopu.
+e said the district has also embarNed on other proMects targeting the rural community to reduce deforestation.
MR. 1dopu said this would push people in rural areas to move away from charcoal burning and concentrate on economic activities which would improve their lives and the environment.
Mr 1dopu said the proMects are being implemented with support from the Ministry of 1ational Planning and 'evelopment under the climate resilience programme.
³'eforestation is a serious issue in the district and that is why we are looNing at other avenues which can maNe people move out of indiscriminate cutting of trees for charcoal burning,´ said Mr 1dopu.