Chief Mailo of the Lala-speaking people of Serenje District, Central Province, says the decision by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) to empower 8 Savings Groups with Business Seed Grants in Serenje is a milestone in complementing government efforts in addressing poverty.
He said the funds made possible because of the generous support of Bread for the World (Germany) will foster economic empowerment and financial inclusion within the community.
The Traditional Leader noted that the CEJ Savings Group Loans Support Program operates as a community revolving fund, calling on CEJ to roll out the empowerment exercise to more communities in the district.
Chief Mailo said this in Serenje in a speech delivered by his Representative Patrick Munshya during a Resilient Initiatives for Sustainable Environment Justice (RISE) Project's Traditional Leaders and Community Symposium on Land and Environmental Rights, supported by Bread for the World (Germany).
Meanwhile, Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Maggie Mwape said the symposium represents a crucial step towards fostering a collaborative dialogue between traditional leaders and community members.
"As custodians of our cultural heritage and stewards of our natural resources, traditional leaders play a pivotal role in sustainable land management and environmental protection. By bringing these leaders together with community members, we create a platform for sharing indigenous knowledge, experiences, and practices that have historically contributed to environmental conservation and responsible land use," she said.
Ms Mwape said the symposium aims to facilitate dialogue between traditional leaders and communities on sustainable land management and environmental conservation practices.
"This exchange of knowledge is essential for integrating traditional wisdom with modern strategies to combat environmental challenges and promote sustainable development," she said.
The CEJ Executive Director said that another key objective is to enhance the community's understanding of land rights and environmental policies.
"By empowering our communities with knowledge, we enable them to advocate effectively for their rights. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, participants will gain valuable insights into the legal frameworks governing land use and environmental protection. This understanding is crucial for fostering participatory governance, ensuring that the voices of local communities are heard in decision-making processes that affect their lands and livelihoods," she said.
Ms Mwape said the symposium aims to promote participatory governance by empowering local voices in land management and environmental conservation.
No comments:
Post a Comment