Zambia Takes a Major Step Forward on Jurisdictional Climate Action

BioCarbon Partners is proud to mark the signing of the Nested Emissions Reductions Partnership Agreement between BCP and the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme.

This agreement formally nests the Luangwa Community Forests Project into Zambia’s national REDD+ framework, a major milestone for climate action, community development, and forest conservation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, BCP CEO Nic Mudaly highlighted the significance of the moment for Zambia’s climate leadership:

“This partnership shows that high integrity, jurisdictionally aligned climate outcomes are possible when government, communities, and the private sector work together.”

For more than a decade, community-based conservation under the Luangwa Community Forests Project has delivered real value for rural chiefdoms while protecting one of Zambia’s most important forest landscapes.

To date, this work has enabled verified emissions reductions, strengthened local governance, and delivered consistent benefits directly to communities. During the latest verification period, over USD 3 million was directly distributed to 30 partner Chiefdoms, supporting the stewardship of more than 2.1 million hectares of community-managed forest.

To date, communities participating in the Luangwa Community Forests Project have received over USD 18 million in direct payments, demonstrating how climate finance can deliver real, tangible benefits to those protecting Zambia’s forests.

The NERPA aligns the project with Zambia’s jurisdictional REDD+ system and supports Article 6 readiness, reinforcing the country’s position as a regional leader in high-integrity climate solutions. It also lays the foundation for scaling up benefits, strengthening national systems, and attracting long-term climate finance that aligns with Zambia’s development priorities.

Nic continues, “Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, but today shows that credible, scalable solutions are possible when partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and shared purpose.” We extend our sincere thanks to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, EP JSLP, traditional leaders, community partners, and all stakeholders who made this milestone possible.

Together, we are building a future where forests, communities, and climate action thrive!