We are leading the way to find solutions to climate change
Before the Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project, deforestation rates were estimated to be as much as eleven times higher than Zambia’s national rate, which is already estimated to be one of the highest in the world. This area also has a growing human population with soaring poverty rates, as high as 88%, which meant many families turned to charcoal production as a main source of income. As much as 53% of Lusaka’s charcoal supply was estimated to come through the area.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is also part of a globally significant trans-frontier conservation area which is home to 23,000 elephants—one of Africa’s largest populations, and includes Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lower Zambezi National Park also provides valuable habitat for lions, wild dogs, and locally threatened species such as sable, eland, roan antelopes and ground hornbills.
As the first verified REDD+ in Zambia, the Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project has served as a pilot for the implementation of high impact community-based REDD+ projects in the country and is a leading carbon offsetting project in africa.
Our key partners in this project include: USAID; the Soli Shamifwi Royal Establishment; Traditional Authorities (Headmen), Cooperatives of Ndubulula, Mweeshang’ombe, Namanongo and Chilimba community zones; Forestry Department, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Rufunsa District Council; Conservation Lower Zambezi, Bee Sweet; as well as other partners including Sable Transport Limited and Musika Development Initiatives.
