Forests cover 31% of the land area on our planet and up to eighty percent of the world’s land-based species, such as elephants and rhinos, live in forests.
There is also scientific research that points to forests as playing a critical role in mitigating climate change because they act as a carbon sink—soaking up carbon dioxide that would otherwise be in the atmosphere and contribute to ongoing changes in climate.
But forests around the world are under threat, jeopardizing these great benefits. The threats manifest in the form of deforestation and forest degradation. Together with government and other implementing partners, COMACO – Community Markets for Conservation is working with local communities to protect their environment and promote sustainable agricultural practices and other rural business enterprises.
One way we are doing this is by promoting beekeeping, which encourages communities to value and preserve and sustainably manage the forests.
Beekeeping is already a traditional farming practice in parts of Mumbwa and Itezi-tezhi. But it is in decline due to the devastation of forests and wildflowers that pollinators like bees need for honey making. Because beekeepers rely on these habitats for bees to pollinate and produce honey from the wildflowers and trees, there is greater buy-in that drives community-led conservation.
COMACO has been working to protect forests and wildlife in Zambia for more than 15 years. COMACO works with governments, companies, communities, and other stakeholders to promote responsible forest management practices, combat illegal logging, protect forested areas, and more.
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