The project area covers one (1) Chiefdom namely Chief Mumena. The major project area is situated approximately 300km by road from the Copper belt City of Kitwe and 75km by road on the North West highway (the T-5) of the Provincial Centre of Solwezi district at latitude 12°26? South and longitude 25°85? East.

The target area has within its boundaries, Acres National Forest, Mbonge National Forest etc. part of which was degazetted by Zambian government to facilitate Kansanshi and Lumwana mining activities. These two huge mines are mining copper, uranium and gold using open pit system. This kind of mining requires clearing large tracts of forested land. Due to this mining activity there has been population boom resulting in over utilization of wood for fuel i.e. charcoal burning, other forest products and agriculture.

The forest resources in the District are reasonably abundant and in good condition. However, there are high incidences of over exploitation and degradation being experienced associated with high human population. Mostly notable is fuel wood used in brick kilns and charcoal for cooking. In certain areas, the quality of the forest resources is greatly affected by late bush fires.

The following are some of the Environmental issues and challenges:

? Increase in population has a direct link to increase in demand of forest resources such as fuel wood.
? Increase in demand for land for various purposes such as, agriculture, building and settlement poses a threat on our National Forest Reserves / forest resources.
? Land degradation / loss of soil fertility
? Air pollution ? Dust pollution and chemical pollution
Deforestation ? through late bush fires, indiscriminate cutting of trees for timber and charcoal.