LOCAL communities across the country should be able to interpret developmental agendas and responses on climate change as a way of playing a critical role in mitigating effects, Chief Chipepo of the Tonga people in Gwembe District of Southern Province has said.
Recently Zambia participated at the 28th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking to The Scoop Chief Chipepo said that the climate crisis was a global crisis that required both international and local stakeholders.
The traditional leader said that it was important that home grown solutions were found and led by the local communities based on traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and local languages.
“Climate change has remained a global problem and for a country like Zambia it is important that lasting solutions are found, to attain an effective and sustainable fight against climate change it is critical that local voices are involved, this is very essential in ensuring climate justice,” Chief Chipepo said.
He said that local communities had a vital role to play in local climate action as they possess intergenerational knowledge, practices, and leadership skills that could help in adapting and mitigating the impact of climate change.
The chief further acknowledged that traditional leaders also had a major role to play in implementing and promoting climate change agendas in communities.
He explained that traditional leaders had deep understanding of the local environments and possessed valuable knowledge which was critical in the mitigation of climate change effects.
“Traditional leaders have influence on local communities, and are pivotal in fostering a sense of collective responsibility of communities for effective response to climate change. therefore, their role remained important in building a more favorable environments,” he said.
He said that all citizens should play a role in localizing and promoting the implementation of developmental agendas Specifically, on climate justice.