By Raphael Banda
COMACO Takes leading role in fighting climate change
Chief Change of the Chewa speaking people of Chipangali District in Eastern Province has confirmed that he has received more than 4.5 million Kwacha for carbon trading.
He says the money has been received on behalf of the Chikuwe Chiefdom where he is the caretaker Chief.
He says the resources will go towards different development projects like drilling of bore holes, construction of schools, clinics and bridges in the chiefdom and enhancement of the protection of forests.
The traditional leader was speaking when the Community Markets for Conversation (COMACO), Media Network Action on Climate Change (MENACC) and some journalists visited his palace on a media learning tour in relation to climate change projects.
Carbon trading or carbon markets pay communities to reduce deforestation.
A total of nine chiefdoms in Eastern Province are involved in preservation of forests project being spearheaded by COMACO.
The organization recently announced the payment of 3.1 Million US Dollars to the nine chiefdoms.
According to the breakdown of payments availed to the media by COMACO, Zumwanda Chiefdom received the highest payment of $ 428,015 followed by
Mwasemphangwe: $ 391,425
Magodi: $387,115.16
Luembe: $385,778 and
Chikomeni: $348,119.
The rest are
Mwape: $344,605
Nyamphande: $308,231 and
Jumbe: $247,025
Meanwhile, COMACO Communication Manager, George Sichinga says the number of chiefdoms involved in carbon trading will next year treble from the current nine to thirty-three.
He says more chiefs beyond Eastern Province have also come on board to participate in carbon trading.
Mr. Sichinga says his organisation is happy that more traditional leaders are beginning to appreciate the need to preserve forests.
Source of Information-Kennedy Phiri MENACC
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