‘North West Province losing 3pc of forest annually’

NORTH WESTERN province is reportedly losing three percent of forest annually.

The region has an estimated forest cover of 12,058,657 with about 8,833,712 being protected area.

North-Western province Principal Forestry officer Maxwell Phiri disclosed that the most hit district is Mushindamo followed by Solwezi and Kalumbila which he attributed to its proximity to the Copperbelt. He said the major driver of deforestation is charcoal burning, agriculture and construction among others.

“At the moment the province is under pressure and we are losing approximately three percent of forest annually,” said Mr Phiri in a side interview during the International Forest Day commemoration in Solwezi.

He revealed that due to the pressure, his department is working with other departments and cooperating partners in ensuring that communities are sensitised and educated on the importance of afforestation.

He said this is because the situation if left unchecked may also affect the underground water. so that those areas especially those areas with water bodies are protected,” he said.

He also revealed that the department intends to grow 500,000 tree seedlings this year.

And gracing the event, North western Province Permanent Secretary Colonel Grandson Katambi emphasised the need to avoid the indiscriminate cutting of trees and encroachment of forest reserves which are set aside for both protection and productivity purposes.

He said the integrity of ecologically sensitive areas such as rivers and streams sources cannot be sustained if the trend continues.

“We are therefore called upon to act responsibly for our own benefit and the benefit of the future generation,” Col Katambi said.