First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Malungo Chisangano has called on the members of parliament to familiarize themselves with the issues surrounding the carbon market.
Ms Chisangano also encouraged MPs to use the insight from the workshop to effectively debate the Climate Change Bill in parliament.
She urged them to actively participate during the workshop and use the knowledge to ensure that their constituencies get a fair share of benefits from the carbon projects with their areas.
The First Deputy Speaker said this when she opened the training workshop for members of parliament on Carbon Markets at the National Assembly in Lusaka today.
She noted that the workshop is important and timely as the country is currently facing adverse effects of climate change as evidenced by the erratic rainfall patterns.
Ms Chisangano further stated that carbon markets represent an opportunity for small-scale farmers in Zambia to improve their farming practices, adapt to climate change, and be rewarded for their contributions to global climate solutions.
“The workshop will not only provide an opportunity for Members to gain knowledge and share pertinent information on carbon markets, but will also allow them to interact with experts and resource persons and seek clarification on issues of concern to them regarding the subject matter,” he further explained.
She further commended One Acre Fund for their carbon market projects across the country, which are helping smallholder farmers to build resilience for their communities and for the environment through climate-smart farming.
And speaking at the same event in a speech reach on his behalf by Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Meteorology Director, Edson Nkonde, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary, Douty Chibamba said his ministry stands ready to guide both the government and private sector on the transition to high quality and transparent carbon markets.
Dr Chibamba said key stakeholders and sectors such as forestry, energy, mining, agriculture and industry, project developers, and financial institutions stand to gain from the operationalization of a conducive and transparent carbon market.
Meanwhile, One Acre Fund Zambia Country Director, Luke Viljoen, said when done effectively, Agroforestry does work, and is one solution that can scale and lead to permanent improvements in soil fertility.
Mr Viljeon explained that agroforestry can be financed through carbon markets, where buyers of carbon credits pay farmers to plant and maintain their trees.
