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The project targets the Luangwa Upper Sub-catchment in Mafinga District, Zambia, to secure the river's source and maintain water flow and quality. It addresses threats from shifting agriculture (chitemene), unsustainable wood collection, and forest fires. The strategy involves improving the management of the Mafinga Hills National Forest Reserve, establishing the first Water Resource Protection Area (WRPA) in Zambia, and promoting climate-resilient conservation agriculture and community forestry. The project is funded by the GEF with a total cost of US$ 24,738,355, including significant co-financing.

The project targets the Luangwa Upper Sub-Catchment in Zambia's Muchinga Province, specifically focusing on the Mafinga Hills National Forest Reserve and surrounding lands. It aims to combat deforestation and land degradation caused by shifting agriculture (chitemene), unsustainable wood collection, and forest fires. The strategy involves improving the management of the Mafinga Hills NFR, establishing a new Water Resource Protection Area (WRPA), and promoting climate-resilient conservation agriculture and community forestry. The project is funded by the GEF and implemented by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment with technical support from WWF.

The Sustainable Luangwa project aims to secure water resources and biodiversity in the Luangwa Upper Sub-catchment, specifically targeting the Mafinga Hills National Forest Reserve (NFR) and surrounding areas. Classified as a Category B (Medium-risk) project, it implements a safeguards framework to mitigate risks such as elite capture, conflict over land tenure, and restrictions on natural resource access. Key project components include the establishment of a Water Resource Protection Area (WRPA), improved management of the Mafinga Hills NFR, and the promotion of climate-resilient conservation agriculture. The framework mandates participatory processes, including Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRP) for affected persons and a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) administered by a Project Management Unit (PMU).