The government has signed a Nested Emission Reduction Agreement (NERPA) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Biocarbon Partners (BCP) to boost the protection of the nation’s forests and strengthen its carbon trading sector. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha at the MoU signing, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba said NERPA signifies a stronger partnership between the government and the private sector. He added that the development represents a significant step towards strengthening the country’s carbon trading and credit framework, a move expected to attract increased investment among the two parties.
ZANIS reports that Mr Mposha said the signing of the NERPA comes on the back of the successful conclusion of the 56 Chiefdom Emission Reduction Performance Agreement under the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme, reflecting strong commitment by traditional leaders and rural communities to forest conservation. The Minister further said the agreement strengthens transparency and accountability in carbon markets by implementing a centralized, nested system that aligns government, private developers and communities under one regulatory framework. He also said the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme is expected to generate 28.9 million tonnes of carbon credits for sale to the World Bank and other international buyers.
“The majority of the proceeds, 55 percent, will go directly to communities, while 30 percent will benefit private developers and 15 percent will support government and programme operations.” Mr Mposha said. He further disclosed that the ministry has secured $30 million from the World Bank to buy 3 million carbon credits through the Eastern Province Sustainable Landscape Programme, rewarding private developers for projects that reduce emissions and support local communities. And, World Bank Country Manager Achim Fock described the MoU as a demonstration of how partnerships between the government and private sector can deliver tangible results.
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Additionally, BCP CEO Nic Mudaly described NERPA as a major achievement, linking it with Zambia’s national framework and moving the country closer to a fully integrated jurisdictional system, a vital step for global recognition and sustained climate finance. He thanked stakeholders for their support of conservation-led development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainability, protecting natural resources and benefiting communities.
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