By Bennie Mundando
WE need long term planning on climate change resilience to dispel disasters in waiting, says Zambia Community-Based Natural Resource Management (ZCBNRM) Forum chairperson, Rodgers Lubilo.
Dr Lubilo has charged that the current flooding experienced in some parts of the country is an indication that climate change requires enhanced innovative solutions from all stakeholders before its risks appear.
He said a lot of places that are flooded in some parts of the country call for land planning and that the forum has a responsibility to engage with Government and other partners to curb the scourge.
“The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is not an option but we need long term planning. This, we need to sit together with people especially those who are affected, to see how best the effects of climate change such as flooding can be addressed.” Dr. Lubilo said.
He said restoring and protecting nature is one of the greatest strategies for tackling climate change in the country, adding that it is for this reason the Forum is working towards protecting resources so that the communities can benefit from them.
He explained that the majority of Zambians are farmers, and that any slight changes in temperature could adversely affect agriculture activities, a situation that is bound to affect livelihoods.
