COMMUNITY BASED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN...

COMMUNITY BASED NATURAL

RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

IN ZAMBIA

Media Brief on Community Based Natural Resources Management

(CBNRM) in Zambia

i

CBNRM IN ZAMBIA MEDIA BRIEF

ASP Agriculture Support Programme

CAC Camp Agricultural Committee

CASU Conservation Agriculture Scaling Up

CBNRM Community Based Natural Resources Management

CBNRMF Community Based Natural Resource Management Forum

CBOs Community Based Organizations

CFU Conservation Farming Unit

COMACO Community Markets for Conservation

CSEF2 Support to Civil Society Organisations in Environment and Natural Resource Management in

Zambia, Phase Two

CSO Central Statistical Office CSOs Civil Society Organisations EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ETOA Zambia Environmental Threats and Opportunities FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation ENRM Environmental and Natural Resource Management

FBOs Faith Based Organizations

FGD Focus Group Discussion

FMC Forestry Management Committees

FMCs Fisheries Management Committees

GMAs Game Management Areas

IGAs Income Generating Activities

IICCS Interim Inter-Ministerial Climate Change Secretariat JFM Joint Forest Management

MACO Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives

NAPACC National Adaptation Program of Action on Climate Change

NEAP National Environmental Action Plan

NORAD Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation NFP National Forestry Policy

NGO Non-Governmental Organisation

PPCR Pilot Program for Climate Change Resilience

PSAf Panos Institute Southern Africa

REDD Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation

RLC Radio Listening Club

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

USAID United States International Agency for Development VDC Village Development Committees

VFMC Village Fisheries Management Committee

WWF World Wildlife Fund for Nature ZEMA Zambia Environmental Management Agency

ZNFU Zambia National Farmers Union

List of acronyms and abbreviations

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This Media Brief is a product of Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf), under the Deepening Community Based Natural Resources Management project. The Media Brief was compiled by Christopher Harris Chirwa, an independent consultant who also conduct-ed the background research. It was reviewed by Nervious Siantombo of PSAf, and edited by Lilian Kiefer, the Executive Director of PSAf. PSAf extends gratitude to the Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs , who through the Embassy of Finland in Lusaka are funding the project under the Civil Society Environment Fund Phase 2 (CSEF2). We are also grateful to our various partners from civil society organisations, community members, the me-dia, government departments and line ministries in the project sites who participated in the various activi-ties through which information for the compilation of this media brief was generated. For more information and to request for copies, please contact: Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) Plot 9028 Buluwe Road, Woodlands P. O Box 39163 Lusaka, Zambia Tel: +260-978-778148/9 Fax: +260-211-261039 Email: [email protected] Website: www.panos.org.zm © Panos Institute Southern Africa, 2017

Acknowledgements

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Table of Contents

List of acronyms and abbreviations i

Acknowledgements ii

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1. Background and Rationale 1

2.0. Mechanisms and structures for community engagement in ENRM and CBNRM 3

3.0. Gaps in the mechanisms and structures for community engagement and their impact on ENRM and CBNRM

4

4.0 Environment natural resource management 6

4.1 Depletion of fish or wildlife 6

4.2 Deforestation 6

4.3 Degradation of land 7

5.0 Policy and legal responses in ENRM and CBNRM in Zambia 8

6.0 Gaps in ENRM/CBNRM policies and laws 10

7.0 Gaps in ENRM/CBNRM policies and laws 13

8.0. Conclusion and recommendations 15

8.1. Conclusion 15

8.2. Recommendations 16

9.0. Sources of information on ENRM reporting in Zambia 17

References 18

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1.0. Introduction

1.1. Background and Rationale Zambia is a country that has been endowed with vast natural resources that include fertile soils, forests, wildlife – fish and game, minerals and many freshwater rivers. All these natural resources can last long and for generations to come only if there is prudent management, use and conservation. For many years the country’s environment management strategies have adopted the community-based natural resource man-agement (CBNRM) approach which is driven by the principle of community participation. According to many studies and evaluation on CBNRM undertaken in Zambia and elsewhere in the sub-region confirm that CBNRM succeeds on a number of principles namely rural community closest to the natural resources ought to actively participate in the decision-making over the management, utilisation, conservation and deriving economic benefits from the natural resources. In essence, the CBNRM principles serve as tangible incentives to local communities in that because they own natural resources and are empowered to decide on the use and derive some benefits they develop a positive attitude towards conservation of the natural resources. It has been established over the years, however, that in implementing this approach, community members have not been actively involved or only partially so in environment and natural resource management (ENRM). This has happened mostly because the strategies are not elaborate or clear in outlining the modali-ties of community engagement and participation. This has resulted in a top-down approach to environmen-tal management programmes and strategies with limited uptake at local community level, and thus low im-pact. In the last two decades, the government identified five priority environmental problems; among these are soil or land degradation, wildlife depletion (fish and game) and deforestation. To this effect government has put in place a number of interventions that seek to promote or strengthen CBNRM particularly in tack-ling the three environmental problems. These interventions are ultimately aimed at contributing to environ-mental sustainability in Zambia. They are based on an understanding that the marginalised communities who heavily depend on natural resources for livelihoods could be part of the environmental degradation problem. In this case the problem can also be resolved by getting the communities actively involved in un-derstanding the issues and also finding sustainable ways of managing natural resources. PSAf has always recognised media as a key player in stimulating public debate and dialogue among commu-nities and stakeholders using all possible forms such as radio, television and print. Through the media, com-munities can be mobilised and influenced positively to engage in sustainable environment and natural re-sources management practices. Through exposure in the media of ENRM issues an effective advocacy for improved policy implementation can be realised. In this regard, it is fundamental that the media is assisted to know and understand the ENRM issues at stake and appreciate its role in facilitating clearer understand-ing by the community and thereby enhance involvement in ENRM. This media brief is therefore intended to serve as a handy resource in building some knowledge and capacity of the media to effectively report ENRM issues. It should also promote CBNRM as it relates to the focus areas of land degradation, deforestation and fish depletion.

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The media brief highlights critical ENRM and CBNRM issues that exist, what community structures exist, the structure capacity gaps or challenges these encounter as well as the impact or implications of these capacity gaps on ENRM. The information contained in the brief is indicative of what needs to be tackled in terms of providing a requisite legal and policy framework that would empower a CBNRM structure that in turn would drive a sustainable programme for natural resources management in Zambia. It is anticipated that effective media reporting in a language and manner that is clear and less technical would increase awareness and un-derstanding among the communities in the country. The media brief will also play an influential role in advo-cacy actions around policy, programmes and adoption of best practices in the exploitation and management of natural resources. Above all, the brief will ensure that journalists are sufficiently knowledgeable to com-municate with confidence ENRM/CBNRM issues.

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2.0. Mechanisms and structures for community engagement in ENRM and CBNRM

There are a number mechanisms and structures within communities that are engaged in promoting envi-ronment and natural resources management and in community-based natural resources management. These can be summarised, by structure and essential functions as follows:

Community structures Basic roles

Fisheries Management Committee Monitor fishing activities and educate people on sustainable fishing practices

Block and Camp Agricultural Committees Promote sustainable farming methods and facilitate learning and knowledge sharing

Fishing Camps Mobilise fishers and facilitate information sharing

Agricultural cooperatives Coordinate farmer input distribution and promote marketing of agricul-tural produce

Radio listening clubs/radio farm forum Facilitate information sharing and mobilise community members for action

Pilot project for climate resilience Committees Facilitate community access to government funding for sustainable use of natural resources

Traditional leadership Mobilise communities to adopt sustainable ENRM practices and provide CBNRM leadership

Fisheries/Forestry/ Agriculture/ Water Affairs/Traditional Affairs/Lands

Implement relevant ENRM government policies and laws and ensure compliance

Village Action Groups Promote community participation in sustainable development and con-servation of wildlife

Farmer Information Centres Provide information on agricultural production, marketing opportunities

Various non-governmental organisations or private voluntary agencies are also part of community structures involved in ENRM and CBNRM

Promote adoption of conservation farming methods, promote communi-ty participation in environment and natural resources conservation, pro-mote alternative source of livelihood, promote CBNRM ideals for pov-erty alleviation

Table 1: Community Structures and their roles in ENRM

Depending partly on the nature of ENRM issues and partly concerns which the CBNRM structures specifically address, the names of the community structure and roles will vary from locality to locality. It is evident that structures of one form or another with specific roles to play currently exist and should mitigate incidence of various environmental problems.

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3.0. Gaps in the mechanisms and structures for community engagement and their impact on ENRM and CBNRM

From experience it has been established, however, that each community structure has encountered capacity gaps or challenges in discharging its functions. The capacity gaps or challenges of the community structures and the impact of these challenges can broadly be summarised as follows:

Gaps Impact

Limited understanding of roles of the community structure and failure to be effective

Failure to effectively carry out their mandate

Limited understanding or awareness of existing rel-evant legislation, regulations and policies on agri-culture and natural resources

High levels of suspicion that results in low adoption of sustainable alternative farming approaches

Limited access to or the lack of resources – finan-cial, personnel such as extension officers, transport, and equipment on the part of lead agency such Government Ministry or department

Inability to effectively carry out ENRM outreach ac-tivities

Failure to adequately deploy personnel to commu-nity structures

Failure to implement activities aimed at addressing environmental problems

Limited or non-involvement of traditional leaders in promoting ideals of ENRM issues and of local communities in community-based natural re-sources management activities

Limited knowledge and understanding of sustaina-ble ENRM by traditional leaders

Inability by traditional leaders to take informed de-cisions and actions that ensure community partici-pation; to promote adoption of sustainable ENRM practices that prevent land degradation, deforesta-tion and depletion of wildlife and to influence their subjects to adopt sustainable ENRM practices

Limited access by communities to relevant and up to date information on ENRM issues

Failure to fully promote sustainable ENRM practices

Inability for community to actively participate in land and forestry conservation

Limited exposure to knowledge and information on agricultural and land management policies

Low adoption of conservation agriculture due to

limited knowledge and skills among farmers

Limited knowledge and awareness of existing poli-cies and regulations and weak community capacity development system

Overfishing due to bad fishing practices and non-adherence to fishing regulations

Low adoption of climate smart and sustainable agri-cultural practices

Limited resources for meaningful engagement in information sharing and community development

Low access to information on sustainable agricul-

tural practices

Low levels of information sharing

Insufficient capacity within the community to tackle certain CBNRM and ERNM issues

Inability by local communities to effectively engage in CBNRM activities

Capacity gaps or challenges of the community structures and their impact

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In addition, some of the capacity gaps and challenges as well as their impact cut across many of the community structures. It is therefore imperative to identify and select the structure or structures which have a higher multiplier effect or greater thrust towards contributing to the overarching goal of attaining environmental sustainability in Zambia. The high incidence of limited knowledge, information, understanding and awareness of one sort of another identified in the capacity gaps or challenges undoubtedly suggests a need for some form of deliberate knowledge or information sharing measure by way of training and sensitisation to mitigate the impact of the challenges. There is also a need to address issues of limited or lack of resources. The continued non-involvement or participation of traditional leadership and local communities in natural resources management activities perpetuates ineffective CBNRM and should expeditiously be addressed. The many studies and periodic reviews conducted in Zambia and elsewhere in southern Africa have attested to this. They have strongly argued that the success of CBNRM, sustainable natural resources conservation and rural development of any country entirely hinge on active participation of the local communities. It is thus critical for the media to acquaint itself with and appreciate the principles of CBNRM in order to rationalise speedier addressing of the capacity gaps of community structures. Any advocacy to be mounted should be targeted at strengthening attendant policy and legal framework that regulate use and management of natural resources. The successful outcome of such advocacy would greatly minimise the high incidence of deforestation, land degradation and depletion of fish. This is because the local communities would have been so empowered and thereby take full responsibility for conserving natural resources under their custody.

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4.0. Environment natural resource management

At community level, it is easier to control or stop altogether deforestation, land degradation and wildlife de-pletion than control air or water pollution. It is for this reason that CBNRM structures need to be strength-ened by getting them actively involved in addressing the three-environmental natural resource management issues.

4.1. Depletion of fish or wildlife

The depletion of fish is essentially as a result of overfishing, invasive fish species, blocking of breeding

streams, wrong fishing tools or gear, and invasive plant species that blocked breeding areas. The rate of

prevalence of these causes has over the years ranged between extensive and medium. Although lead agen-

cies such as the Department of Fisheries and Water Affairs Department institute some interventions, several

gaps of interventions are wanting. Such gaps include:

failure to fully sensitise community’s due to limited personnel; lack of resources at the Fisheries Department; lack of knowledge among community members of the consequences of overfishing; lack of involvement by traditional leadership in curbing overfishing; weak capacities of community members to manage invasive fish species; failure of the community to appreciate the impact of damming on fish breeding; inadequate involvement of the fishers in addressing problems of wrong fishing gear; and low capacities of Village Fish Management Committees to promote sustainable fishing methods

The non-participation or non-involvement by traditional leaders and the local community in curbing over-fishing and the limited community knowledge of sustainable fishing practices exacerbate dangers of further depletion. In addition, lead agencies have limited personnel, and financial resources to effectively discharge their roles.

Gaps in the interventions call for systematic sensitisation of communities, imparting the communities with relevant knowledge and information on sustainable fishing practices and culture. There is a need to involve traditional leaders to and providing adequate funding and personnel to lead agencies. The need for infor-mation and knowledge sharing is central to the success of mitigating depletion of fish. Moreover, local civic leadership and politicians are on record as having constantly appealed to the local people to exercise cau-tion to avoid depleting fish in various parts of the country.

4.2 Deforestation

According to REDD+ 60 percent or 45.8 million hectares of Zambia is covered by forests that are adversely affected by deforestation at the rate of nearly 300 000 hectares per year. If not stemmed there is every like-lihood of this rate of deforestation increasing. Deforestation is as a result of cutting trees to clear new fields for new crops that presumably grow well on virgin land illegal logging particularly of Mukula tree species, burning of charcoal, uncontrolled bush fires that destroy young trees and injure big ones, homestead and livestock fencing, shifting cultivation, and wood fuel harvesting. The rate of prevalence of these causes is in all cases extensive, save one where it is medium.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and the Forestry Department have provided some interventions, but these are fewer than the number of interventions that need to be instituted. The interventions instituted by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Forestry Department but are still wanting include: weak link between extension service and the farmers due to understaffing, limited resources and lack

of reliable transport experienced by the lead government agencies; lack of understanding by community on its role in forest resource conservation and compliance with

the law on logging; lack of or non-involvement of traditional leadership in community sensitisation and respect for rele-

vant laws and regulations; failure by the Forestry Department to conduct community outreach activities; failure by people involved in charcoal burning and logging to adhere to laws and regulations; limited community knowledge of the effects of fires on the forest; limited knowledge within the community of conservation agricultural practices and; failure by the police and Forestry Department to enforce laws and regulations.

These demonstrate a need for active participation of the local community and involvement of traditional leaders in inculcating sustainable forest conservation practices. This should be supported by community sensitisation, as well as increased and visible enforcement of relevant laws and regulations on conserva-tion of forests by lead agencies, including the police, to prevent further deforestation.

4.3 Degradation of land

Degradation of land is caused by such activities as widespread use of mono-cropping and dip tillage, shift-ing cultivation, late bush fires when both soil and vegetation are very dry, charcoal production, low adop-tion rates of conservation agricultural technologies. Overgrazing and burning of crop residues in fields are other causes of land degradation. The rate of prevalence is extensive in the majority of the causes.

Whereas the lead agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Forestry Department have instituted measures, the identified interventions that are lacking and need to be addressed include: ignorance among communities of the negative effects of shifting cultivation on forests and land; limited understanding and adoption of conservation agricultural practices within the communities; lack of exclusive programme to sensitise communities about the negative impact of bush fires on land; lack of comprehensive review of conservation agricultural practices to make them more appealing and

adoptable; limited or non-involvement of traditional leadership in community sensitisation and law enforcement; limited access to agricultural extension services; uncontrolled communal grazing; and limited community knowledge and understanding of sustainable livestock husbandry.

All these suggest a need for a deliberate pragmatic public awareness campaign.

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5.0. Policy and legal responses in ENRM and CBNRM in Zambia

Environmental natural resource management (ENRM) and community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) in Zambia are governed by laws that strengthen or back the relevant approved policy. There are a number of laws and accompanying policies that relate to the three ENRM issues of fish depletion, deforestation and land degradation. These include:

ENRM Issue and Laws ENRM Issue Policies

Fish depletion

The Fisheries Act, 2011 The Fisheries Policy (2010-2030) draft

The Water Resources Management Act, 2011 Policy for National Parks and Wildlife in Zambia, 1998

The Wildlife Act, 2015 Policy for National Parks and Wildlife in Zambia, 1998

Deforestation

The Forests Act, 2015 The Forestry Policy, 2015 draft

Land degradation

The Lands Act, 1995 Land and Administration Policy, 2015 draft

The Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2015

National Agriculture Policy 2012-2030

Table 3: Laws and policies for ENRM issues

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The provisions in the draft Land and Administration Policy 2015 and the draft Fisheries Policy, 2010-2030 can-not be operationalised until the policies are finalised and approved. Moreover, there is also a possibility of further change in the draft policies. The fact that the policies are in their draft form means that the intent or ideal state to be achieved is in abeyance even though existing legislation facilitates implementation. What is appropriate is for both policy and legislation to be in place. There are also other key laws that either directly or indirectly govern ENRM and CBNRM matters. These laws touch on cross-cutting issues and include: a) The National Heritage Conservation Commission Act, 1989 b) The Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Act, 1990 c) The Local Government Act, 1991 d) The Energy Regulation Act, 1995 e) The Environmental Protection and Pollution Control (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations,

1997 f) The Biosafety Act, 2007 g) The Disaster Management Act, 2010 h) The Environmental Management Act, 2011 i) The Tourism and Hospitality Act, 2015 j) The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2, 2016 Some of the foregoing laws may presently have no policy framework, but at least the legal provisions can be enforced. It is therefore important for the media and any other interested parties familiarise themselves with the rele-vant policies and laws. Equally, it is imperative to identify sections of the laws and policies that directly refer to issues affecting ENRM and CBNRM.

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A number existing laws and policies that regulate or govern to ENRM and CBNRM have been found to lack some provisions or the existing provisions need to be strengthened to adequately provide for sound ENRM and CBNRM. The following table illustrates gaps that are missing in the listed laws or policies and what needs to be done to improve the situation:

6.0. Gaps in ENRM/CBNRM policies and laws

Law/Policy Gaps identified Proposed response for action

The Draft Fisheries Policy, 2010-2030

Still in draft form and therefore un-realizable until officially adopted.

It does not provide a framework for public participation in land aliena-tion decisions

To formalise and approve draft

To provide for adequate mecha-nism for community participation and effective oversight provisions

The Fisheries Act, 2011

It does not incorporate community participation as a management principle

It does not mandate inclusion of community input in the granting of aquaculture licences

It gives excessive discretionary au-thority to the minister

To provide for community partici-pation in management

To check excessive discretionary authority of minister

To provide for effective governance mechanisms

The Wildlife Act, 2015 CBNRM directives in the Act are not harmonised with those in Fisheries and Forestry Acts

To harmonise CBNRM directives with Fisheries and Forestry Acts

Policy for National Parks and Wildlife in Zambia, 1998

It lacks specific mention of fisheries administration and management

To provide for specific mention of fish-eries administration and management

The Water Resources Management Act, 2011

It does not provide guidelines top gov-ern public participation mechanisms

To provide for adequate public partici-pation mechanism

The Forests Act, 2015 It has no safeguard against misap-propriation of revenue

It provides unfettered discretional authority in granting CFMG recog-nition

To provide for safeguards against misappropriation of revenue

To provide for checks against un-fettered discretionary authority

The Forestry Policy, 2015

It does not clearly address issues of equitable control and ownership of land to both men and women

To provide for adequate equitable con-trol and ownership of land to both men and women

Policy for National Parks and Wildlife in Zambia, 1998

It does not provide detailed mecha-nism for community consultative mandates

It does not provide harmonisation with forestry policy and statutory framework

To provide for detailed mechanism for community consultative man-dates

To provide for harmonisation with Forestry Policy and statutory framework

Table 4 (a): Gaps in the laws or policies and proposed responses

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Law/Policy Gaps identified Proposed response for action

The Lands Act, 1995 It does not provide procedural guide-lines for local community consultations in land alienation decisions

To provide for procedural guidelines for consultations of local communities in land alienation matters

The Draft Land and Ad-ministration Policy, 2015

It is still in draft form and therefore unrealizable until adopted

It does not provide for public participa-tion in land alienation decisions

To provide for public participation in land alienation decisions

To seek approval and operationalise

National Agriculture Pol-icy, 2012-2030

It does not address detailed CBNRM practices to prevent land degradation

To provide for detailed and transpar-ent CBNRM practices

The Mines and Mineral Development Act, 2015

There is no supportive minerals devel-opment policy

It does not provide for any community involvement in mining licence deci-sion-making process

To provide for detailed mandate for community involvement in mining licensing process

To provide for mines and minerals de-velopment policy

The Biosafety Act, 2007 It does not provide for regulations, form, method and process governing public consultations

To provide for detailed and transpar-ent governing regulations for public consultations

The Local Government Act, 1991

Current law does not reflect the sys-tem of devolution of governance

To provide for the and operationalise the system of devolution

The Environmental Man-agement Act, 2011

It does not provide for mandate for community involvement in prepa-ration of NEP plan

It is weak in utilisation of prosecution rights

To provide for community involve-ment mandates

To provide for effective enforcement of prosecution rights

The Environmental Pro-tection and Pollution Act, 1990

It does not incorporate adequate CBNRM mandates

To provide for greater CBNRM man-dates

The Environmental Pro-tection and Pollution Control (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1997

The regulations provide for discretion-ary provisions for public hearings on EIAs instead of mandatory stipulation

To provide for mandatory public hear-ings of EIAs

The National Policy on the Environment, 2007

Policy does not provide for specific measurable recommendations to en-hance CBNRM practices

To provide for specific and measurable recommendations for effective CBNRM practices

Table 4 (b): Gaps in the laws or policies and proposed responses

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The gaps in both laws and policies need to be urgently addressed to fully realise the intended objectives of

the laws and policies. This means that unless corrective measures are taken, community participation

remains incomplete or at best will continue to be ineffective; the weaknesses identified in the legal and

policy framework will continue to have adverse effects and in the long run on ameliorating ENRM and

CBNRM issues.

Furthermore, while Zambia has in place a number of policies and laws that govern and regulate issues of natural resource management in the country there is no mechanism that harmonises the operationalisation of the various laws and policies. Indeed as Campbell (2010) points out that there is no coordinating governance structure, policy or law that brings together the ministries tasked with natural resources to plan implement and monitor integrated natural resources management plans. The danger is that lands may be allowed to be utilised in ways that might be at cross purposes to natural resources conservation and sustainable utilisation over the long run. Campbell buttresses the point by citing an example that there were eight different government departments across seven ministries that dealt with ENRM and CBNRM in Zambia. Similarly, Mbewe suggests a national natural resources management strategy that integrates fisheries, forestry and wildlife into CBNRM and such a strategy should lead to a single policy towards CBNRM. Article 255 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2, 2016 Constitution provides for “the management and development of Zambia’s environment and natural resources to be governed by inter alia “effective participation of people in the development of relevant policies, plans and programmes” in Article 255 l). Additionally, Article 257 d) provides that “the state shall in the utilization of natural resources and management of the environment,” “encourage public participation.” In this regard, however, the Constitution focuses more on the duties of the citizen than obligations of the state and rights of the citizen even in matters of natural resources. The preferred option should have been to provide for the rights of the citizen and thereby underscore true public ownership of natural resources.

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Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) considers media as a key and indispensable partner as well as a co-driver of change at individual, community and policy-making level in deepening community-based natu-ral resources management Zambia. Issues of sustainable environmental natural resources management and community-based natural resources management need concerted efforts. In promoting this ideal, however, there is a need to contextualise as this helps.

Over the years Zambia has had many projects accomplished with sound and lasting benefits for the peo-ple and localities. The projects once completed have ended unnoticed with no hope of being emulated, but only recorded. The goal of deepening CBNRM in Zambia is to attain environmental sustainability in Zambia; there is a need therefore for the media to bring out lessons learnt from projects and environ-mental issues that take place in far flung rural areas. Issues of ENRM and CBNRM place tourism and different dimensions of tourism into context beyond what regularly attracts media attention in urban settings.

The country has for many years suffered because many a time the feats and achievements of various rural projects have not been adequately documented. The usual practice has been to compile a terminal report of the project and tuck the report onto some shelf or in a filing cabinet. Thus the information is all locked up! There are many lessons – good or bad – to be learnt from various projects that have been undertaken in the country. These lessons should be shared not only by the communities that are imme-diately affected or involved but by the population at large. Whereas the promoters of the projects can publicise the achievements or merits of projects through end-of-project events with fanfare, such pub-licity may be biased or even overlook essential details. This is where the media is indispensable.

The issues raised in this media brief are about lacunae in key natural resources management laws and policies; the lack of knowledge and information among the rural communities about their roles and rights; the absence of sound CBNRM practices; and the need to strengthen the operations of lead state agencies such as the Forestry, Fisheries and Agricultural Departments through requisite funding, equip-ping and staffing so that their contribution to rural development becomes more discernible. All these are national issues that affect rural sites but the entire country.

Prominent in the brief are issues of weaknesses in CBNRM and in the tackling of environmental issues. What therefore can the various sectors of the public learn and what can be done to remedy the situa-tion, country-wide? What, for instance, are the long-term ramifications of delays in revising or amending policies and laws that govern fish depletion and broadly wildlife, deforestation and land degradation? Furthermore, what legacy will the law makers and the current generation leave for posterity?

In its conventional role of “entertain, inform and educate” the media can play a vital function to redress the situation. The media, through various channels, can and should facilitate the sharing of information, knowledge and experience to all parts of the country: there are here policy and legal issues, develop-ment issues, and advocacy issues all aimed at improving the country. And although there are merits in packaging the information in one long feature article or documentary, there is the danger of underplay-ing some aspects of the major issues.

7.0. The role of media in promoting sustainable ENRM and CBNRM

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From its own experience it is possible for the media to identify and unbundle different aspects of ENRM and CBNRM issues with a view to providing more detailed information on each and thereby tell a fuller national story that can be shared. This approach has the advantage of generating more stories through a series of in-terviews with policy makers, traditional leaders or individuals of the various communities. There is also scope for some human interest stories through interviews with some people in the affected rural communities.

The media brief provides an opportunity for the media practitioners to acquaint themselves with detailed background information and knowledge on community-based natural resources management and environ-mental natural resources management issues. This should also effectively facilitate in-depth analyses of sali-ent aspects of the ENRM and CBNRM issues. In support of the foregoing this brief has a list of sources of in-formation for contact and a list of reference materials for further study.

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8.1 Conclusion

It is evident that the limited or non-involvement of the traditional leadership and local communities in the ENRM and CBNRM issues has a direct impact on the failure to attain sustainable forest and agricultural prac-tices. This has resulted uncontrolled depletion of fish, land degradation and severe deforestation. The lim-ited knowledge, information and understanding of ENRM issues prevalent among the local communities have contributed to the failure to effectively manage natural resources. In addition the existing relevant laws and policies present a number of challenges as they do not provide detailed and transparent regula-tions and mechanism for public participation in planning, decision-making and management of natural re-sources. Moreover there are other policies and laws that are still in draft form such as the Draft Land and Administration Policy and the Draft Fisheries Policy. It is further noted that the Local Government Act does not adequately reflect the system of devolution es-poused by the (amended) Republican Constitution of 2016. There is also no provision for public participation or community involvement in the development of a number of laws and policies or in their preparation as in the case of the National Environmental Protection Plan (EPP). Despite numerous provisions mandating com-munity consultation, there are no regulations governing the method, form, and precise process that com-munity consultations should take. Similarly, there is evidence to suggest that there is widespread non-compliance and ineffective monitoring of CBNRM mandates in the fisheries and forestry sectors.

8.1. Conclusion and recommendations

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8.2 Recommendations

In order to effectively promote sustainable ERNM and CBNRM in Zambia the following recommendations are proposed for what should be done as a way forward: i. The policies in draft form should be finalised and adopted

ii. Community consultation mandates should be accompanied by detailed procedural guidelines on the

form, method, and process that these consultations should take.

iii. Community input should be solicited during the mining licence decision- making processes.

iv. Law reform that integrates, harmonises and revises laws relating to the implementation of Reducing

Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation and other sources (REDD+) should be

undertaken.

v. The Local Government Act should be updated to reflect the system of devolution envisaged by the

Republican Constitution.

vi. Since prudent ENRM is most effective at its source, local community input and involvement is critical to

the development of the National Environmental Protection Plan and the Environmental Management

Act must facilitate this engagement.

vii. There is need to ensure that there is statutory compliance with the Fisheries Act which requires that all

Fisheries Management Areas must have a Fisheries Management Plan.

viii. The FMA plan must provide mechanisms to enable the public, women in particular, to participate in

managing water resources within a catchment.

ix. An effective enforcement monitoring mechanism must be put in place to ensure that the CBNRM

directives enshrined in laws and policies are complied with.

x. A precise process of community consultations should be included in the ENRM policies and laws.

xi. There is a need to curtail discretionary element in CBNRM implementation and to replace these with

mandatory directives.

xii. An outreach and awareness campaign should be mounted to inform the public of their public

participation rights.

xiii. There is a need to conduct an ethnographic study on the enforcement and implementation of CBNRM

directives and on the effect of CBNRM laws and policies on local communities.

xiv. There should be deliberate effort made to translate basic key facts of the policies and laws into Zambian languages to facilitate understanding by the rural communities.

xv. There should continuous sensitisation and training programmes different target groups of the rural communities to gain some knowledge and understanding of ENRM and CBNRM issues.

xvi. The media should consider designating a desk to specialise in ERN and CBNRM issues and regularly publish articles on these issues.

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The following places and institutions are some of the useful sources of information for environment and natural resources management: Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection P O Box 30055, Lusaka Forestry Department P O Box 50042, Lusaka Tel: 0211-226132 Food and Agriculture Organisation – Zambia Office Addis Ababa Road P O Box 30563, Lusaka Tel: 0211-252568 World Bank Zambia Country Office P O Box 35410, Lusaka Tel: 0211-252811 World Wild Fund for Nature P O Box 50551, Lusaka Telephone: 0211-250404 Zambia CBNRM Forum c/o WWWF Zambia Country Office P O Box 50551, Lusaka United States International Agency for Development (USAID) P O Box 320065, Lusaka Tel: 0211- 357041 NORAD - Zambia Via: Royal Norwegian Embassy Private Bag B323, Lilongwe Tel: +265 1 774 211 Email: [email protected] Interim Inter-Ministerial Climate Change Secretariat [REDD+] Ministry of Finance Plot 90 Corner Makishi/Broads Road P O Box 30547, Lusaka Tel: 0211- 2326480 Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection New Government Complex Lusaka Tel: 0211-235357

9.0. Sources of information on ENRM reporting in Zambia

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i. Campbell, David (2010), Zambia Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment (ETOA), USAID/Zambia

ii. Central Statistical Office (CSO) (2010), Zambia 2010 Census of Population and Housing: Population Summary Report

iii. Dalal-Clayton, Barry and Brian Child (2013), Lessons from Luangwa – The Story of the Luangwa Inte-grated Resources Development Project, Zambia, International Institute for Environment and Develop-ment

iv. Kasaro, Deuteronomy, and Julian Fox, “Zambia’s National Forest Monitoring System” presentation

v. Madzwamuse, M. (2007), An overview of CBNRM in Southern Africa. IUCN Rosa/SASUG.

vi. Mbaiwa, J. E. (2004), “The success and sustainability of community-based natural resource manage-ment in the Okavango Delta,

vii. Botswana” in South African Geographical Journal, 86(1), 44-53. viii. Mbaiwa, J. E. (2011), “ The effects of tourism development on the sustainable utilisation of natural

resources in the Okavango Delta, ix. Botswana”, in Current Issues in Tourism, 14(3), 251-273. x. Mbewe, Martin, (2007) The Roles of Traditional Leadership and Communities in Community-Based

Natural Resources Management in Zambia report, Ministry of Tourism, Energy, Natural Resources xi. Ministry of Tourism, Energy and Natural Resources (MTENR) (2007), Final Report of Formulation of

the National Adaptation Programme of Action on Climate Change xii. Munyinda, Nosiku Sipilanyambe and Habasonda, Lee (2013), Public Participation in Zambia: The Case

of Natural Resources Management xiii. Ngwira, Percy Mabvuto et al “Community Based Natural Resource Management, Tourism and poverty

Alleviation in Southern Africa: What Works and What Doesn’t Work” in Chinese Business Review, De-cember 2013, Vol 12 No, 12 pp 789-806

xiv. Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) (2016), Baseline Report, Deepening Community Based Natural Resources Management in Zambia Project

xv. Sichilongo, Mwape et al (May 2012), Zambia Wildlife Sector Policy: Situation Analysis and Recommen-

dations for a Future Policy

xvi. USAID. (2011). Community based natural resource management: Stocktaking Assessment. Washing-

ton, D.C.: Zambian Profile.

xvii.World Bank. (1999). The international workshop on community-based natural resources management (CBNRM). Retrieved from http://www.cbnrm.net/library/documents/may98workshop_report.pdf/

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