Of Zambia’s population of 14 million, 60% reside in rural areas and are largely dependent on ecosystems for livelihoods. Wetland and forest ecosystems in particular provide a wide variety of products for rural communities, including fuelwood, timber, fruits and nuts. These ecosystems also protect communities from the impacts of extreme weather by providing a defence and buffer, termed ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA). A project is aiming to improve the resilience of local communities living near wetlands and forests in Zambia by strengthening their capacity – as well as that of local and national governments – to implement ecosystem-based adaptation interventions. The project is taking place in 2 major wetlands of the country.
United Nations Environment Programme
