Introduction
Environmental issues in Zambia are becoming ever more pressing due to rapid industrialization, deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. As custodians of cultural heritage and community values, traditional leaders play a pivotal role in promoting environmental stewardship and conservation within their communities. This caucus aims to engage traditional leaders in a dialogue about the significance of environmental conservation, bringing them together to share knowledge, experiences, and strategies to enhance environmental protection within their jurisdictions.
Objectives
The objectives of the 2026 TLC are as follows:
- Awareness Raising: To enhance the understanding of traditional leaders about the significance of environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
- Strengthening Leadership Roles: To empower traditional leaders to take active roles in environmental conservation initiatives within their communities.
- Cultural Reinforcement: To explore and emphasize the intrinsic link between cultural traditions, practices, and environmental conservation.
- Collaborative Action: To foster partnerships among traditional leaders, local governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote environmental protection efforts.
- Policy Influence: To discuss the role of traditional leaders in advocating effective environmental policies and legislation at local and national levels.
Venue
CEJ with its cooperating partners will host the 4th Traditional Leaders Caucus on 14th October 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Kenneth Kaunda Wing, in Lusaka, Zambia, under the theme “WHY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION MATTERS.” The caucus will include 15 traditional leaders from the Zambia House of Chiefs.
Conclusion
This traditional leaders’ caucus recognizes the important role that custodians of culture and heritage can play in safeguarding the environment. Through education, dialogue, and collaboration, traditional leaders can spearhead initiatives that reflect their communities’ values while addressing critical environmental challenges.
By focusing on why environmental conservation matters, we aim to empower traditional leaders to champion responsible stewardship of the land, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Highlights from the past TLCs
