In a significant gathering aimed at safeguarding Zambia’s natural heritage, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Muchinga Province, Mr. Brian Sichande, officially opened a high-level national consultation on the review of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
Speaking on behalf of government and the people of Muchinga Province, Mr. Sichande warmly welcomed the ad-hoc technical experts and officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to Chinsali, the provincial capital.
He described Muchinga as a region of “exceptional natural beauty,” sitting at the heart of Zambia’s ecological heritage, and highlighted its pristine Miombo woodlands, rich wildlife, fertile valleys, and the iconic Muchinga Escarpment.
“Muchinga Province is endowed with some of Zambia’s most important biodiversity assets,” Mr. Sichande stated, listing the extensive woodlands, Lavushimanda and North Luangwa National Parks, the Chambeshi River system, and vital wetlands and highland ecosystems as key treasures.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary underscored the critical value of these resources, noting that they support livelihoods, provide food and medicine, and maintain ecological balance, tourism, and cultural heritage.
The ongoing consultations are focused on two key deliverables: the revision of the NBSAP and the development of Zambia’s Seventh National Report (7NR) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Mr. Sichande emphasized that this revision is crucial for aligning national priorities with global targets, ensuring Zambia plays its part in halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
However, he also presented a candid picture of the challenges facing the province. “Despite these blessings, Muchinga faces several challenges, such as deforestation and charcoal production, uncontrolled bushfires, human-wildlife conflicts, encroachment into protected areas, and climate change impacts,” he said
Despite these threats, he reaffirmed the province’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable natural resource management, community participation, and environmental education.
Mr. Sichande framed the consultations as a vital platform to shape Zambia’s renewed commitment to biodiversity in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
“I urge all participants to contribute openly and constructively. Your perspectives will ensure that national priorities reflect the realities of Muchinga Province and Zambia at large,” he urged.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary concluded by thanking the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the technical team for their commitment, expressing his hope for fruitful discussions and meaningful recommendations.
