About this project
The Green Roots Initiative is a community-led climate action project based in Kalomo and Mazabuka districts of Zambia. It aims to combat deforestation, restore degraded land, and promote sustainable livelihoods through large-scale, community-driven tree planting and reforestation activities.
Our initiative directly addresses the environmental degradation caused by forest loss, which has left many rural areas vulnerable to climate impacts such as droughts, soil erosion, and biodiversity decline. By engaging women, youth, and smallholder farmers, the project empowers communities to lead the restoration of native forests, enhance local ecosystems, and build long-term climate resilience.
Key activities include:
Tree planting campaigns on degraded and community-identified lands
Awareness and education programs on the importance of forests and climate protection
Collaborations with traditional leaders, local authorities, and NGOs to ensure sustainability
Training in sustainable land management and nursery development
Set to scale up beginning August 2025, the Green Roots Initiative envisions expansion into other regions of Zambia. We follow a whole-of-society approach, ensuring inclusive participation and leadership at all levels, with the goal of making local communities the driving force behind Zambia’s green transformation.
Goals and Objectives
Overall Goal:
To restore degraded land, combat deforestation, and build climate resilience through inclusive, community-led tree planting and reforestation in Kalomo and Mazabuka districts, and eventually across Zambia.
Specific Objectives:
Restore Forest Cover:
Plant and nurture over 100,000 trees by 2030 in targeted rural communities to reverse deforestation and promote biodiversity.
Empower Local Communities:
Engage and train women, youth, and smallholder farmers in sustainable reforestation practices and land restoration techniques.
Promote Environmental Education:
Conduct awareness campaigns and workshops on the importance of forests, climate change, and sustainable land use in schools and communities.
Establish Tree Nurseries:
Develop community-managed tree nurseries to ensure a steady supply of seedlings and promote local ownership of reforestation activities.
Strengthen Partnerships:
Collaborate with local authorities, NGOs, schools, and traditional leaders to support and sustain reforestation efforts.
Monitor and Ensure Sustainability:
Implement a community-based monitoring system to track tree survival rates, land restoration progress, and community engagement.
Expected result
Expected Results (SMART Framework)
100,000 Trees Planted and Monitored by 2035
By the end of 2030, the Green Roots Initiative will plant and monitor a total of 100,000 trees across degraded areas in Kalomo and Mazabuka districts. This includes indigenous and climate-resilient species planted through community-led efforts. The survival rate will be monitored annually with a target of at least 75% tree survival.
10 Community-Managed Tree Nurseries Established by 2026
By December 2026, the project will establish at least 10 operational and community-managed tree nurseries. These nurseries will supply high-quality seedlings to support annual reforestation campaigns and provide a sustainable source of income and engagement for local groups, particularly youth and women.
Engagement of 100 Rural Communities by 2035
By the end of 2028, the initiative will directly engage at least 100 rural communities in tree planting, land restoration, and environmental awareness activities. This will be done through structured outreach programs, village meetings, and collaboration with traditional leaders and local schools.
Environmental Education Reached over 5,000 People by 2035
By December 2027, the project will have reached at least 5,000 individuals (including students, farmers, and community leaders) with environmental education focused on forest conservation, climate change, and sustainable land use. This will be achieved through workshops, radio campaigns, school visits, and community events.
30,000 Hectares Targeted for Forest Regeneration by 2035
By 2030, at least 30,000 hectares of land in Kalomo and Mazabuka will be directly impacted by tree planting, natural regeneration support, or forest protection activities. Monitoring will include satellite imagery, field surveys, and community-led tracking.
Training of 500 Local Champions by 2026
By June 2026, at least 500 local champions (youth leaders, women’s group representatives, and lead farmers) will be trained in nursery management, tree planting techniques, and sustainable land restoration. These champions will play key roles in mobilizing communities and ensuring long-term impact.
Climate Resilience Improved in 80% of Targeted Villages by 2030
Through tree cover restoration and improved land management, at least 80% of the targeted villages will report improved microclimates, reduced soil erosion, and increased awareness of climate adaptation practices by 2030. This will be tracked through community surveys and field reports.
These results are fully Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Carablaze Enterprise, through its Green Roots Initiative team, will ensure ongoing monitoring using tree survival tracking forms, nursery records, attendance logs for education activities, field visits, and collaboration with local authorities and community structures.
About me / organisation
Bright Piri
The Green Roots Initiative is led by Bright Phiri, the Founder and CEO of Carablaze Enterprise. Aged 27, Bright is an environmentalist and social entrepreneur with over 8 years of experience working with rural communities on climate action, environmental education, and sustainable development.
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