Green Resources initiative, Zambia

INTRODUCTION The Republic of Zambia is located to the south of the central African plateau. The country lies mostly between latitudes 8° and 18°S, and longitudes 22° and 34°E. Zambia is 752,614 square kilometres (290,586 square miles) in size. The climatic conditions of Zambia are tropical in nature. Zambia lies between 900m to 1200m above sea level. Due to Zambia’s high relief her climate is neither hot nor cold, but rather air conditioned. This climate allows for the growth of a wide range of crops and trees. 1.2.1 Forest Sector Zambia is mostly endowed with many natural resources among them forests and woodlands. Forests and woodlands cover about 535,000 km2 or about 70% of the total land mass. The main threat to the forest sector in Zambia is the unsustainable harvesting of wood. The rate of wood harvesting in Zambia far outweighs wood replacement leading to deforestation. The population of Zambia continues to grow thus, putting more pressure of the forests. Zambia’s deforestation rate is the highest in Africa and fifth globally, with an average loss of between 250,000 and 300,000 hectares of forest every year. In January 2017, President Edgar Lungu revealed that the country lost an average 276, 021 hectares of forests per year between 2000 and 2014 due to deforestation. The country’s rate of depletion of this natural resource is extremely high. The government is looking for new lines of approach and action to stop this ecological crisis. 1.2.2 Effects of Deforestation Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Trees help to mitigate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, but they become carbon sources once they’re cut, burned, or otherwise removed. Acidic Oceans. The oceans are becoming more acidic with an increased supply of carbon dioxide from deforestation and burning fossil fuels. General destruction of biodiversity.Bring about marked changes in climate such as reduced rainfall and increased average temperatures.Shortage of wood fuel.Wildlife such as animals loss their habitation, drying rivers affecting acquatic life. Areas experience falling yields in forest products such as timber, fruits, honey etc.Severe soil erosion which may eventually lead to desertification 1.2.3 Mitigation The country’s rate of depletion of this natural resource is extremely high. The government is looking for new lines of approach and action to stop this ecological crisis. The biggest sustainable solution to forest depletion in line with Green Resources Initiative Zambia GRIZ is afforestation, not only by the forestry department, but by all community members and the private sector. Green Resources Initiative Zambia GRIZ as a private entity comes as part of the solution to forest depletion in Zambia. 2.0 GREEN RESOURCES INITIAVIVE ZAMBIA GRIZ Green Resources Initiative Zambia GRIZ is a group of young people of different dispositions, temperaments and professionals with a common view of protecting the environment. GRIZ is environmentally aware and understand the challenges of the 21st Century which revolves around climate change and its negative consequences. Green Resources Initiative Zambia GRIZ operations are within the confinements of the provisions of ISO 14000 on environmental management. SUMMARY: The project is a two phased plan with short and long term objectives. The short term plan deals with eucalyptus plantation while the long term plan deals with tropical pine plantation. The value addition phase of timber processing caters for both the short term and long term plan. Growing of eucalyptus and pine trees will take place in Lufwanyama Mininga area under Chief Mujimanzovu. The project sets to transfer skills to the local community who will have an opportunity to learn practical lessons on the field. It is hoped that the skills that people will learn will be replicated by individuals on a smaller scale according to individual capacity. This will go a long way in promoting out grower scheme. The trees from out-grower schemes will be purchased by Green Resources Initiative Zambia GRIZ. Apart from building capacity in the community, this project aims to be a lucrative business which is phased to start making profits in the fifth year. When the pine plantations are opened in the tenth year the sales will reach the maximum turn over. The project seeks to empower all stakeholders youths and others alike in the community financially. It will create the much needed job opportunities especially in the fourth year and the tenth year respectively when the whole project begins to make returns.4.0 GOAL:The Green Resources Initiative Zambia GRIZ overall goal is to contribute to the well being of youths and other age groups, through helping them acquire entrepreneur skills that will make them financially independent while protecting the environment. As a commitment to sustainable environment the organisation will carry out projects to ensure sustainable wetlands and fish management for a better fire and a green Zambia