ZEMA embarks on bush fire management project | WestMac Media

By Winston Muleba JR 

Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) is piloting a fire management programme in Chitambo and Serenje districts as part of implementation of the Promoting Climate Resilient Community Based Regeneration of Indigenous Forests in Zambia’s Central Province, a project supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

In a statement, the agency indicates that among others, the project is aimed atestablishing robust fire monitoring and management plans in these districts in order to maintain regeneration in the woodlands and reduce fire frequency. 

“This is based on research which has shown that high frequency of bush fires and late fires inhibit the regeneration of forests. Fire management plans have thus been developed in the two districts in order to ensure that fire occurrences are brought under control,” statement reads. 

Meanwhile, this week, ZEMA has been working with communities in five pilot sites namely Teta, Kampabwa, Musola, Musangashi and Nakatambo. 

The agency is working through Village Action Groups (VAGs) in these communities to implement and enhance fire management plans practices. 

These communities have identified fire breaks in their sites as well as awareness raising strategies which can be used to enhance fire management in the two districts.

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About the Author:
Winston Muleba Junior is a Researcher, Citizen Journalist, Blogger, Scientist, Writer and Disaster Management Practitioner who uses media and ICT to promote science, technology and innovation. He gravitates towards environment: water, aquaculture, land, climate change and agriculture as he is skilled at juxtaposing the latest research and expert opinion with the everyday lives and struggles of people on the ground.
Email: mwenyamuleba@gmail.com.