…………commends World Vision for the FMNR initiative which will help restore degraded forests
LUSAKA, Zambia — The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting sustainable development as part of its efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. During the launch of the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) scale-up business, Minister Collins Nzovu praised World Vision Zambia for its initiative aimed at restoring degraded lands and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
In his speech, delivered by Dr. Douty Chibamba, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nzovu emphasized that the FMNR initiative will play a significant role in transforming the lives of those dependent on forests. He highlighted that forests are a key source of household income, particularly in rural areas, and that restoring these ecosystems can contribute to sustainable development.
“FMNR is a critical intervention that helps reduce destructive practices like deforestation and land degradation,” said Mr. Nzovu. “This initiative will significantly contribute to the positive mitigation of climate change, benefiting both the environment and the communities that rely on it.”
The FMNR scale-up plan aligns with the government’s broader environmental policies, which seek to enhance environmental protection and promote effective land management. Mr. Nzovu called for collective efforts to address climate change, which he noted has been slowing the country’s development.
“Promoting climate-smart farming methods is essential,” he added. “Through collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, we can educate our farmers on sustainable practices and help them adapt to changing environmental conditions.”
The FMNR project is expected to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, all working together to restore degraded lands and fight climate change. Minister Nzovu underscored the importance of these partnerships in achieving meaningful progress.
Earlier, Faith Ngoza Kabaso, National Director of World Vision Zambia, spoke about the empowerment the initiative will bring to rural communities by involving them directly in land restoration efforts. She emphasized that FMNR will promote the widespread adoption of sustainable land management practices and help mobilize resources for greater impact.
Ms. Kabaso also expressed optimism about World Vision’s global goal of restoring one billion hectares of degraded land and noted that FMNR improves soil fertility, leading to better crop productivity and increased income for farmers.
Zambia, like many Southern African countries, has been severely affected by climate change, particularly through prolonged dry spells that have devastated agricultural production and exacerbated food insecurity. In response to this, World Vision Australia’s Principal Climate Action Advisor, Tony Rinaudo, has been advocating for the FMNR approach as a cost-effective and sustainable solution to restore forests.
“FMNR is a cheap and sustainable way of restoring forests, unlike the expensive replantation of trees,” explained Mr. Rinaudo. “This practice of pruning wild saplings and thinning tree stumps allows for rapid regrowth into mature trees, helping to restore ecosystems efficiently.”
The FMNR method, which uses existing vegetation to regenerate forests, has already proven to be an effective tool in restoring land and increasing agricultural productivity. By fostering a sense of stewardship among communities, the initiative is expected to have lasting positive impacts on both the environment and the people who depend on it.
As Zambia faces the ongoing challenges of climate change, initiatives like FMNR offer hope for a more resilient and sustainable future for the country’s rural populations.