CHOMBA MUSIKA, Choma
A CHOMA-based ecologist has implored Government to enact stiff laws to punish people who indiscriminately cut down trees to prevent deforestation.
Grey Ngaba, a resident of Mapanza, is concerned about the indiscriminate cutting down of trees in the region, especially when farmers are clearing land in readiness for the farming season.
Mr Ngaba said in an interview that it is unfortunate that some members of the public are exacerbating climate change through cutting down of trees as opposed to preventing environmental degradation.
He cited the areas which are most affected as rural parts of Choma, Kalomo and Monze districts.
Mr Ngaba said most people in the three districts cut down trees for charcoal burning.
Last month, Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Mwansa Kapeya warned that the country risks becoming a desert if the current rate of deforestation is not controlled.
Mr Kapeya said the country is currently experiencing the highest rate of deforestation with up to 300,000 hectares of land losing trees every year.