environmental settings

According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), industrial and commercial
development in Zambia, particularly large-scale mining, the growth in manufacturing activities, and a
corresponding increase in population have brought about the risk of environmental damage by exerting
unmitigated pressures on the environment.

In addition, environmental impacts associated with the transportation of timber from forest to sawmills,
then sawn timber from sawmills to manufacturing companies, and finally to end-users consume
significant amounts of fossil fuel and thereby emit greenhouse gas (GHG) to the environmentr

regulations

The regulation of timber harvest and processing plants in Zambia is covered under the Forestry Act No. 4
of 20151. The act provides for the sustainable management and utilization of forest resources in Zambia
and establishes the Forestry Department as the regulatory body responsible for enforcing forestry
regulations1. The act also provides for the establishment of a Forest Management Unit (FMU) which is
responsible for managing and regulating forest resources within its jurisdiction..

impact/mitigation

Timber harvesting and processing plants can have significant environmental impacts on the surrounding
areas. These impacts can include deforestation, soil erosion, soil compaction, and hydrological cycle
disruption1. Environmental pollution due to wood processing, wood utilization, and waste management
in forest industries can also be a concern

To mitigate these impacts, there are several measures that can be taken such as using sustainable
forestry practices, reducing waste through recycling and reusing materials, and using environmentally
friendly chemicals and processes