About SEPA
Serving communities since 2004
A legally registered, non-profit civil society organisation working for people and the environment in North-Western Zambia.
Our history
Founded 2004, registered 2005
Save Environment and People Agency (SEPA) was founded in 2004 and registered in 2005. Although SEPA has a national focus, its operations are concentrated in North-Western Province, where its head office is in Zambezi District.
Our mandate is to transform rural communities by addressing the adverse effects of climate change, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting social enterprises that improve the social and economic status of vulnerable households. SEPA works to strengthen advocacy and social accountability in rural communities and local chiefdoms, complementing government efforts.
Over time, SEPA has established structures at grassroots, district and provincial level. Working with women's self-help groups, we understand the vulnerability of local communities to climate change and the importance of adaptation for livelihood resilience.
Our vision
To be the leading organisation in the promotion of a natural, sustainable and eco-friendly environment in the region.
Our mission
To promote sustainable use of natural resources, empower local communities and secure livelihoods for a better quality of life through advocacy and innovative income-generating opportunities.
Where we work
Eight districts of North-Western Province
- Chavuma
- Kalumbila
- Kasempa
- Manyinga
- Mufumbwe
- Mushindamo
- Solwezi
- Zambezi
Partners named in SEPA's project records include the District Forestry Office (Ministry of Green Economy and Environment), the Ishima Chiefdom Traditional Council, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Zambia Land Alliance and the UNCCD–UNEP CSO Zambia network.
Governance
Accountable management
SEPA has a Board of Directors that provides technical and financial oversight, so that the organisation is managed in line with principles of equity, transparency and accountability.
SEPA is led by a Chief Executive Officer who reports to the Board, assisted by a Programmes Manager and a Programmes Officer. A qualified accountant manages finances and prepares financial reports for the organisation and its donors.
Our founder
Mailes Zulu Muke
Mailes Zulu Muke founded SEPA in 2004 without any grant. Her desire was to improve the lives of women in rural areas and to promote sustainable use of the environment in rural communities across North-Western Province and the country.
In 2004 she started two community schools, Malola and Nsangula, which are now government primary schools. She would walk long distances from one place to another to run her programmes.
She is highly skilled in community mobilisation, networking and engagement at all levels, with a background in monitoring and evaluation, community development, planning and consultancy. She has trained in Gender Action Learning, green jobs, gender and extractive industries, and artisanal mining, and is a committed environmental activist.
Her work has been recognised with awards including Times Woman by the Times of Zambia (2010) and "Woman of Distinction" by Radio Phoenix (2009).