CHARCOAL BAN SHOWING RESULTS IN CENTRAL PROVINCE.

CHARCOAL BAN SHOWING RESULTS IN CENTRAL PROVINCE.

A ban on charcoal production in selected districts of Central Province has significantly reduced deforestation, according to Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha.

The Minister said a survey conducted in Katuli, Tazizi, Sumyongi and Mumba districts shows that the ban has helped control deforestation levels, prompting the ministry to consider extending similar measures to other charcoal production hotspots across the country.

He explained that the ministry is currently identifying and marking key deforestation hotspots, followed by stakeholder consultations to determine areas where the measures will be implemented, with an official announcement expected soon.

Mr. Mposha added that once the new measures are enforced, charcoal production will be restricted to local consumption only, and transportation of charcoal outside affected districts will be prohibited.

He appealed to consumers to adopt alternative energy sources, including cooking coal, coal briquettes, fuel-efficient briquettes and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), to reduce pressure on Zambia’s forests.