Nsama backs Lake Tanganyika Conservation Project

Nsama District Administration has welcomed the implementation of a project aimed at conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable land management and enhancing water security in communities along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Land…

Nsama District Administration has welcomed the implementation of a project aimed at conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable land management and enhancing water security in communities along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

The Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Land Management and Enhanced Water Security in the Lake Tanganyika Basin in Zambia project is being implemented in Kalomo and Chibwensolo villages by the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA), in collaboration with Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia.

Nsama District Administration Officer Getrude Nkole said the project would strengthen the sustainable management of Lake Tanganyika, conserve biodiversity and improve community livelihoods and food security.

Ms Nkole said the project would support improved fishing practices, protect fish breeding, spawning and nursery areas and promote community-based monitoring and enforcement to reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

She noted that  IUU fishing was increasingly threatening the ecosystem of Lake Tanganyika.

Ms Nkole said the initiative, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), would contribute to improving the livelihoods of communities that depend on the lake.

She said Nsama District Administration would provide strategic oversight and institutional support to ensure the effective implementation of the project in the two communities.

Ms Nkole was speaking during a visit by the National Reference Group (NRG) to Kalomo and Chibwensolo villages.

Meanwhile, fishermen in Nsama District have also welcomed Government programmes aimed at sustaining Lake Tanganyika and protecting its biodiversity.

Kalomo Village fisherman Felix Mazimba said the initiatives would help improve fish catches and the size of fish in the lake.

Mr Mazimba said community-led conservation efforts were important in promoting a sustainable fishing industry that benefits both local communities and the environment.

He also urged Government to continue enforcing the annual fishing ban on Lake Tanganyika, saying it has contributed to an increase in the lake’s fish population.