Today marks the 45th Independence Day of Zambia, formerly known as Northern Rhodesia. A land-locked country in Southern Africa with a tropical climate. Today is also International Day of Climate Action and Zambia like most developing countries is effected by global warming. January 2008 saw the worst flooding for over twenty years. With no rain from March to October the rural communities depend heavily on ‘good’ rains – too little means shortage of food; too much and the crops are damaged and people are displaced through flooding.
The Butterfly Tree, although primarily a humanitarian charity, believes that supporting enviromental issues will enhance our programs and improve the areas where we work. We are currently seeking funding to build an Eco-toursim Centre in Mukuni Village. This will include planting millions of trees; many forests have been depleted due to the indingenous people’s dependency on wood. Trees are cut to build houses, make charcoal for cooking and in the use of curio making, the communities main source of income.
Stagnant drinking water: young Mukuni boys drink this bacteria infected water
We will be working with African Community Project, founded by Canadian Garry Brooks, who will manage the project. This is an exciting time for Mukuni, the Chiefdom is progressing and the area around the Victoria Falls is rapidly developing in toursim. The Eco-Tourism Centre will create employment and education for the local people with the aim of attracting international volunteers to attend the program, where a lodge will accomodate the visitors.
Every level of community has to do its bit to help with climate change, planting trees is one of the best ways we see fit for Mukuni Village. Global warming badly effects these vulnerable communities, mosquito-borne diseases are increased and this area is prevelant in malaria. To commerate Zambian Independence and acknowledge International Day of Climate Change we are joining forces with Basement Crew, a group of Zambian DJs who work in London. Tonight they are appearing at a 45th Zambian Independance Day Celebration and will appeal to all Zambians worldwide to help tackle the Africa malaria problem that effects millions of their families and friends in Zambia.
