Faced With an Unprecedented Climate Crisis Zambia Bans Charcoal Permits
- Permits for charcoal production in three districts halted
- More areas may be added, says Environment Minister Nzovu
A man carries a bag of charcoal at a charcoal production site outside Lusaka, Zambia.
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Zambia ordered the director of forestry to stop issuing permits for charcoal production in three districts in a bid to halt deforestation and fight climate change.
Persons in possession of valid Cord Wood Permits in Itezhi-tezhi, Mumbwa and Shibuyunji districts have until May 1 to finalize charcoal production, the southern African nation’s Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu said in a statement Monday. More districts will be added as the Forestry Department assesses tree stock levels across the country, he said.