A natural resource management organisation in Kasempa District of the Northwestern Province has encouraged women to take an active role in the conservation of natural resources.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, Kasempa Conservation Foundation Director, Norman Kalima says women are key stakeholders in safeguarding natural resources making their participation critical.

“Women are a very important partner in safeguarding the sustainable development of every community in terms of natural resources,” he added.

Mr Kalima further added that it is important to empower women with the knowledge and skills required for preserving natural resources.

“This has been the cry of the project to see how we can actually bring on board women in safeguarding and preserving these natural resources,” He added.

Meanwhile, Kasempa Forestry Officer, Kibra Mweetwa acknowledged that lack of women participation in nature conservation was a challenge.

“Now one of the challenges we have found is that there are very few women who are taking part in the conservation of natural resources,” Mr Mweetwa added.

He further implored women to come on board in the quest to preserve natural resources in Kasempa District.

“And therefore I want to encourage the women also to take part in the conservation of natural resources, because I believe men alone cannot do it,” Mr Mweeta added.

“We need to come together, men and women youths, to conserve the forest, because we know once we conserve the forest, it is actually going to sustain us,” he said.