• The extension follows concerns from various stakeholders.
• Applicants must undertake all requirements of the application.
• Concession licences will, by law, only be issued to successful applicants.
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has extended the deadline for application of new timber concession Licenses to 30th June, 2022.
Minister in charge, Collins Nzovu says the extension follows concerns from various stakeholders that they may fail to fulfil the requirements by the deadline which was 31st May 2022.
Mr. Nzovu encouraged applicants to undertake all requirements of the application process and submit to the various offices of the Forestry Department across the country as they wait for the Decision Letter for their Environmental Project Brief (EPB) from Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
“After the close of the application period on 30th June 2022, the Ministry will proceed with evaluation of the applications. But concession licences will, by law, only be issued to successful applicants upon submission of a Decision Letter from ZEMA and an approved EPB,” Mr. Nzovu said.
He added that no timber concession license shall be issued in a Game Management Area without the express written consent of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
“The Ministry further wishes to inform members of the public that no timber concession license shall be issued in a Game Management Area (GMA) without the express written consent of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, “he stated.
Mr. Nzovu further said the Ministry will remain committed and available to work with all stakeholders in improving service delivery and ensuring a speedy transformation of the country to a green economy.
Recently, Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) President Charles Masange called on Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to extend the deadline for application of Forest Concession Licenses as the application period given was too short.
