LUSAKA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has partnered with Zambian Breweries, Zambia's main brewer, to enhance the productivity and resilience of the ecosystem of the country's longest river, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
The partnership between the WWF and the brewing company will result in the undertaking of a comprehensive initiative aimed at safeguarding the Kafue River Basin in the southern part of the country through research, farmer-managed natural regeneration, assisted natural regeneration and soil and water conservation. It will also involve the revitalization of the Magoye River, a tributary of the Kafue River, which was under threat.
"This project speaks to actual implementation of measures to restore key ecosystems such as the Magoye River catchment," said Nachilala Nkombo, the WWF Zambia country director, in the statement.
She noted that rigorous monitoring and research activities will be conducted to assess the impact of the restoration efforts and inform adaptive management strategies, adding that the partners will collaborate with local research institutions to gather data on water quality, biodiversity and community wellbeing.
Tawanda Hojane, the Zambian Breweries director for Legal and Corporate Affairs, said the brewer was committed to collaborative efforts with community stakeholders to promote water conservation and improve water access.
"We believe that by working together, we can achieve a more significant and lasting impact. Whether it's supporting local water security projects such as the Kafue Water Basin, conducting educational programs, or fostering community-led initiatives, we aim to be a positive force for change," he said.
According to the statement, the initiative places a strong emphasis on community engagement which will see the two partners working closely with residents in the Magoye and Kafue River basin areas to raise awareness, build capacity, and empower communities to actively participate in the conservation and sustainable use of water resources.
It added that the long-time shared vision aims to enhance both the quality and quantity of water through collective action by 2025.
