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DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET

Sustainable Development of Forest Ecosystems Based on SDG 15 – A Case Study of Mkushi District, Zambia

Florence. M. TemboUNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, ChinaPing FangUNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China

Vol 8 No 7 (2024): Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2024 | Pages: 111-119

International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology

OPEN ACCESS | Research Article | Published Date: 25-07-2024

doi Logo doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2024.807011

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Abstract

This study evaluates the sustainable development of forest ecosystems in Mkushi district, Zambia, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, “Life on Land.” Sustainable development aims to use natural resources responsibly to meet future needs without compromising environmental, social, and economic balance. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, encompassing 17 goals, including SDG 15, underscores the critical role forests play in global sustainability. Our results from remote sensing and literature reviews revealed fluctuating vegetation health in Mkushi, with the NDVI indicating periods of stress and recovery. Efforts by the government and stakeholders include beekeeping and conservation agriculture training, forest patrols, and policy implementations, covering over 121,464 hectares. However, survey results indicated persistent challenges undermining these efforts, highlighting charcoal production has been highest (46%), followed by unsustainable land use (28%), inadequate law enforcement (17%), lack of awareness (6%), and other issues (3%). This study can serve as a reference for policy-makers and regulators to make effective policies on the management of forests in a more sustainable way in Mkushi district and other regions of Zambia with similar challenges and the world at large.

Keywords

Sustainable development, Forest, Ecosystem, SDG 15, Zambia


Citation of this Article

Florence. M. Tembo, & Ping Fang. (2024). Sustainable Development of Forest Ecosystems Based on SDG 15 – A Case Study of Mkushi District, Zambia. International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET, 8(7), 111-119, Article DOI https://doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2024.807011

Licence Copyright (c) 2026 International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology creative common licence This work is licensed under Creative common Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 Internation Licence
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