TOURISM COVID-19 RESPONSE PROJECT UNVEILED
By Wilson Mulinda
The Ministry of Tourism and Arts, in partnership with other cooperating partners, has launched the covid-19 response project.
The project is aimed at mitigating the adverse impact of the pandemic on tourism dependents, conservation and communities in the Zambian component of the Kavango Zambezi conservation area.
Tourism and Arts Minister Ronald Chitotela says the commencement of the project has been facilitated by a 30 million Kwacha given to government by the ministry of development cooperation of the German Government.
Speaking during the virtual launch, Mr. Chitotela said the committed funds aim at bringing relief to local communities, the tourism sector and the management of protected areas in the respective components.
He said the funds will go a long way in mitigating the effects of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in the country.
AND incoming German Ambassador to Zambia Anne Wagner-Michell said the German Government has endorsed the Leader’s Pledge for Nature.
Dr. Wagner -Michell said the pledge is a 10-point pledge to accelerate action to reverse nature loss by 2030 and to tackle global warming.
She also said Germany remains committed to support the Zambian people to control the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic and to mitigate the economic and social consequences of the crisis.
Meanwhile, Worldwide Fund for Nature -WWF- Country Representative Nachilala Nkombo said her organisation looks forward to working with chiefs in the KAZA landscape and other areas in building the new future under the COVID-19 and post COVID-19 new normal.
Ms Nkombo has also thanked the German government for providing the financial resources to allow for the implementation of the project.