ZAMBIA

Approximately 57% of Zambia's land area is forested, although there is no primary forest remaining. More than 40% of the country is within protected parks, although this does not prevent widespread poaching and deforestation from taking place. Since 1990, Zambia has lost over 13% of its forest cover and the deforestation rate is slowly rising. It was one of the top 10 countries for deforestation between 2000 and 2006.

Forest loss is mainly due to widespread slash-and-burn agriculture which has to feed a growing population. Logging is also increasing. However, the hardwood forests of the western grasslands are reasonably well conserved.

The government banned raw timber exports to other SADC (Southern African Development Community) countries, whilst it developed policies and measures to process timber within Zambia. However, the Timber Producers Association of Zambia believe that this has resulted in lost revenues of $20 million because huge quantities of sawn timber, logs and other wood products are being smuggled over Zambia's borders. South African and Chinese companies are also accused of continuing to export raw timber.

The government has expressed formal interest in receiving assistance through the UN REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) programme.

DOCUMENTS

DATE	TITLE	AUTHOR
11/06/2004	Forest Certification in Zambia This report for a symposium on forest certification discusses Zambia's experience to date with forest ...	Njovu, Felix C (Copperbelt University, Zambia)
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01/04/2004	Lessons Learnt on Sustainable Forest Management in Africa: Study on Forest Administration and Related Institutional Arrangements This study is a component of a wider initiative jointly undertaken by the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture ...	Owino, Prof. F (Forest Resources International, Kenya) & Ndinga, Dr A (Dakar Fann, Senegal)
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NEWS

DATE	TITLE	AUTHOR
27/08/2009	Zambia: state bemoans east deforestation Government has bemoaned the continued increase in deforestation in Eastern Province due to land encroachments ...	allAfrica.com
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16/06/2009	Illegal Timber traders invade Chama district A Senior Government Official in Chama District says illegal timber dealers have invaded areas in chiefs ...	Lusaka Times
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01/04/2009	$18 million approved under UN-REDD Programme Funds will back forestry programmes combating climate change and boosting local livelihoods ...	FAO
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22/12/2008	Kasama police arrest illegal timber dealers ...	Lusaka Times (Zambia)
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08/10/2008	Indonesia, Papua NG, Vietnam ask UN for assistance to combat deforestation Hanoi - Three of Asias most rapidly deforesting countries - Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam - ...	Green Assembly Asia Environment
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01/10/2008	Zambia: Coping with less and less water Kaoma - Deforestation has affected the water cycle in one of Zambia's largest charcoal-producing ...	IRIN Africa
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16/06/2008	Zambia loses money on timber following ban on exports Lusaka, Zambia - Zambia lost an estimated K80 billion in uncollected timber revenues following government's ...	Afrique en ligne (France)
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01/01/2005	Zambia Leaf Tobacco strives to curb deforestation Zambia Leaf Tobacco Company has targeted planting about four million trees during the 2004/5 season in ...	Times of Zambia
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