The Collaborating to Operationalize Landscape Approaches for Nature, Development and Sustainability (COLANDS)

The Collaborating to Operationalize Landscape Approaches for Nature, Development and Sustainability (COLANDS) project is a global initiative led by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), with Zambia as one of its key focus countries. In Zambia, COLANDS is actively working to integrate landscape approaches that balance environmental conservation with sustainable development, particularly in forest-dependent communities.

 

COLANDS in Zambia: Objectives and Activities

In Zambia, the COLANDS project operates in the Kalomo District, focusing on the Kapanzi Community Forest. The project aims to:

    • Enhance Sustainable Forest Management: By providing training and resources to local communities, COLANDS promotes practices that ensure the long-term health of forest ecosystems.

    • Strengthen Community Governance: The project supports the development of community-based institutions that manage natural resources transparently and effectively.

    • Promote Livelihood Diversification: Through capacity-building initiatives, COLANDS encourages alternative income-generating activities such as beekeeping, basket weaving, and sustainable agriculture.

    • Facilitate Stakeholder Collaboration: COLANDS brings together various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and NGOs, to develop integrated land-use plans that reflect diverse interests and priorities.

Impact and Community Engagement

The project’s participatory approach ensures that local communities are at the forefront of decision-making processes. By involving community members in planning and implementation, COLANDS fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards natural resource management.

In the Kapanzi Community Forest, six villages have benefited from COLANDS’ interventions, leading to improved forest governance, increased awareness of sustainable practices, and enhanced livelihoods.

Collaboration and Support

COLANDS collaborates with various partners, including government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions, to ensure the scalability and sustainability of its initiatives. The project’s alignment with national policies and frameworks further reinforces its relevance and effectiveness in the Zambian context.

For more detailed information on the COLANDS project in Zambia, you may refer to the CIFOR-ICRAF website or contact their regional office for specific reports and updates.