EU-Funded Project Empowers Kabwe Residents on Environmental Rights
Rights holders in Kabwe have received vital training on environmental rights, pertinent laws, and reporting violations through the European Union-funded project “Strengthening the Respect for Environmental Rights in Zambia (SR4ERZ).”
The training session was graced by Maggie Mwape, Executive Director of the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), who commended the government’s efforts in addressing environmental violations across the country.
Ms. Mwape emphasized the workshop’s significance as a key component of the SR4ERZ project, a collaborative initiative involving HIVOS, CEJ, and the Zambia Institute of Environmental Management (ZIEM), with generous support from the European Union.
She outlined that the project, implemented in Kabwe, Sinazongwe, Serenje, Kitwe, and Mufulira, aims to enhance Zambia’s environmental rights framework.
“The main objective of this project is to bring about meaningful improvements in Zambia’s environmental rights framework by empowering civil society and rights holders like yourselves,” Ms. Mwape stated. “We aim to establish a robust system that safeguards and respects environmental rights.”
The three-year project focuses on enhancing technical knowledge, refining laws and policies, raising public awareness, and ensuring accountability on environmental matters. By building capacity, the initiative seeks to empower participants to identify issues, report effectively, and demand accountability from authorities.
Ms. Mwape highlighted the significance of the training in Kabwe, a district severely affected by the impacts of lead mining. “Your increased awareness and knowledge will play a crucial role in addressing these issues, documenting violations, and advocating for policy changes to ensure a clean and safe environment,” she said.
The training aims to equip participants with the skills needed to document and report violations properly and understand effective advocacy strategies for necessary policy changes. Ms. Mwape encouraged active participation, urging attendees to engage with the material and ask questions.
“Together, we can create a Zambia where environmental rights are upheld for the benefit of current and future generations. Your empowerment is crucial in holding duty bearers accountable and driving positive change. Let us work collaboratively towards a brighter, greener future for all,” she concluded.
Haggai Nyambe, CEJ Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, also addressed the event, highlighting the intersection of human and environmental rights.
The training is part of ongoing efforts to mitigate environmental damage and promote sustainable practices, ensuring a well-informed and proactive community of environmental advocates.
