‘GREEN ECONOMY NEEDS RESHUFFLES’

By Kalobwe Bwalya

THERE is a need for the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to consider a comprehensive reshuffle of staff at the district level, coupled with enhanced training and resource allocation to effectively undertake their duties, former Forestry Institute of Zambia Secretary General Chalaifya Katungula has said.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Katungula said the recent revelations indicated that some foresters listed as employed in forest concession areas were either not present on site or not actually employed.

He noted that such lack of oversight undermined the very essence of sustainable forest management as the presence of trained foresters was essential to guide concession holders in sustainable practices, including the protection of endangered species and proper tree identification.

He observed that the illegal activities, such as unregulated mining, further degraded those areas and often went unnoticed due to the absence of vigilance.

He added that it was crucial to establish a collaborative system where the private sector could assist the Forestry Department, local communities and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of forest operations.

“Forest concession licenses are not granted on a permanent basis, making it essential to maintain the land for future use and regeneration. Therefore, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment should intervene to address the issue of young, qualified foresters who remain unemployed, but are falsely listed as working in concession areas,” Mr. Katungula said.

He explained that unemployment was a pressing issue and securing proper placements was complex and necessary hence the call for practical action against climate change, not just theoretical discussions in offices or workshops.

He said there was a need for qualified professionals actively working on the ground. He disclosed that current indications suggested a troubling shortage of trained personnel in concession areas.

“The Forestry Department’s commendable directive in 2022 to prevent staff from indulging in inventory preparations for clients opened up employment opportunities for private sector foresters and this initiative should be applauded and continued,” he added.

He further observed that the Forestry Act of 2015 supported the employment of foresters in the private sector and urged the Ministry and the department to ensure that the positions were genuinely filled in and not just on paper.

He stated that the call was both realistic and practical, adding that in 2022, approximately out of 483 applications for forest concession licenses, only about 192 were successful.

He explained that it was disheartening to learn that many successful applicants had not fulfilled their obligations to employ foresters.

“I recommend that the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment conduct thorough investigations, revoke licenses from non-compliance concessionaires and re-allocate them to more committed applicants who can foster employment and professionalism.