Peace Parks Foundation’s Site Operations Manager for the Kafue Zambezi Community Forest Project
Rachael Kuliwa Sinyama leads the Kafue Zambezi Community Forest Project and other REDD+ initiatives in Zambia’s Western Province. She acts as a bridge between the Government of Zambia, BioCarbon Partners, the Barotse Royal Establishment, local communities and Peace Parks Foundation. In her role she translates strategic goals into action, monitors performance and ensures that all stakeholders remain aligned.
What is REDD+ and why do forest communities hold the key?
The goal of this global initiative, developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is to incentivise developing countries to protect and sustainably manage their forests. These are crucial for absorbing carbon dioxide and combating climate change.
REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, with the ’+’ referring to:
- Conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks
- Sustainable management of forests
How do you implement a project on this scale?
We begin by informing senior chiefs about the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If they agree, each chief appoints an advisor, known as an induna, from the Kuta (traditional council). The induna accompanies us to the area chief and the ward or sub-district level council, locally referred to as a Silalo Kuta. Together, we visit villages and explain what the project is about, what participation means and the benefits for them.
Communities grant consent collectively during customary meetings. This is free, prior and informed consent, which means consent is given voluntarily, without intimidation or manipulation. It’s a self-directed process led by the people. We don’t impose the project on them – they choose whether to be involved
The way we engage people is crucial. If it’s done respectfully and clearly, they’re more likely to agree to participate. Sometimes they say no, and that’s okay.
Do you come across much scepticism?
Sometimes, but often they change their mind. The Shekela community in Nalolo in the North-West initially declined [to be involved], but after observing the benefits received by neighbouring areas, they asked to join. In some cases, forest commitments have doubled. It shows how respectful communication can lead to a lasting impact, especially for a new and complex project like this one.
What does success look like?
Success would mean improvements in areas such as agriculture, education and economic well-being. Many of these communities are rich in natural resources. With proper training in conservation farming and smart agriculture, their yields improve. If they start receiving carbon revenue, they can fund development projects like schools or clinics – but collectively, not for individuals.
Seeing the project on the ground helps you appreciate both the challenges and impact. Climate change is very real here. Winters seem shorter and hotter, and people feel it.
If you asked me what the future of community-based forest conservation in Zambia looks like, I’d say it is one where people are empowered, not just to conserve forests, but also to improve their livelihoods. The idea is to involve them in all aspects of forest management, even policymaking.
What do you ask people to do, and how do they protect their forests?
Communities define their own forest boundaries and rules. They develop forest management groups and plans, often banning unnecessary tree cutting or charcoal burning. We support them in making informed decisions, ensuring some areas can be used to meet their daily needs while other areas are preserved. It’s about balance and sustainability.
Once forest management plans are in place, the communities are recognised and granted user rights by the Director of Forestry. They are given the authority to manage their forests. They can question anyone cutting down timber or misusing the land because they now have legal ownership and responsibility, which is empowering.
What alternatives do you offer to reduce pressure on forest resources?
We introduce alternative livelihoods, like beekeeping and smart agriculture, based on each community’s needs. And we don’t assume what these needs are – we ask them. If a community has access to water, for example, we might support them in sustainable farming methods.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Some places are more than 200 km away and have no phone signal or Internet connectivity, yet even out there, the reception we get is overwhelmingly positive. People are eager to be part of the project. We have exceeded the target of 820,000 ha of forest under REDD+ management, and by the end of August had already reached 905,523 ha in nine chiefdoms. We are committed to meeting the target of one million ha by the end of November 2025.
How do you collaborate with traditional leaders and government institutions?
Community forest management is guided by Zambia’s Forests Act of 2015. The Forestry Department leads technically, while the Barotse Royal Establishment handles traditional boundaries, and local government supports governance structures. We all co-ordinate closely, with each partner playing a vital role, so we never work in isolation.
How do you track the health of a forest and manage carbon credits?
We involve communities in decision-making from the start, even in discussions around carbon trading. The management groups are trained in financial planning. They create constitutions and financial plans. They even decide how funds will be allocated. Once the income starts coming in, it’s made very clear that the funds are for the benefit of the entire community, not any individuals.
Why do REDD+ projects matter?
The loss of forests is one of the most pressing global environmental challenges of our time. Forests regulate the climate, store vast amounts of carbon, protect biodiversity and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people. When forests are destroyed, instead of carbon being absorbed by them, carbon is released into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change, threatening water security, and displacing people and wildlife. This isn’t just an environmental issue – it is also an economic, social and deeply human one.
In southern Africa, the impact is particularly acute. The region faces high rates of deforestation driven by shifting agriculture as land is degraded, and by charcoal production and unsustainable land use. The loss of forests means weakened resilience to climate shocks from drought and floods, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
In Zambia, the stakes are especially high. The country has some of Africa’s most extensive Miombo woodlands – a type of open forest with mostly drought-resistant trees. However, it also suffers from one of the highest deforestation rates in the region. These projects create real incentives for communities to protect forests, invest in local development and support sustainable land-use practices.
