Bio-diversity

This Project aims to address environmental degradation threatening sustainable livelihoods for over 15,000 households living in the Kampoko micro-watershed bound by Manga and Mufulwe Hills located in Fiwila, 80km south-east of Mkushi district. The prevalence and significance of degradation is characterized by declining spring water yields and drying up of some once perennial springs, deforestation of water-source catchments, declining biodiversity, unsustainable land management practices and the general absence of local awareness for conservation and capacity to actively implement key natural resource conservation measures that can assure sustainable livelihood benefits. The effects on households have included chronic food shortages, reduced income sources, poor health arising from unsafe drinking water and general lack of livelihood security. This project will raise awareness and enhance understanding among community members about the benefits of forest conservation; demonstrate and promote appropriate land-use practices and forest resource-based activities that can secure sustainable livelihoods. Major Objectives: 1. To raise awareness and enhance understanding among local leadership and their community members about benefits of forest conservation. 2. To build capacity for local governance system to develop and enforce local land-use and forest conservation laws and regulation against deforestation and land degradation. 3. To demonstrate and promote appropriate land use practices and forest resource-based livelihoods supporting activities which show immediate benefits arising from forest conservation. 4. To evoke corporate social responsibility towards contributing to conservation efforts by facilitating investment financing of community-owned Natural Spring drinking water bottling facility.

Zambia