Govt Reinforces Commitment to Environmental Protection and Sustainable Resource Management
The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and the enforcement of sustainable resource management practices. Dr. Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, emphasized the government’s priority on environmental stewardship during the Ministerial Stakeholder Engagement in Lusaka, organized by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) with support from Bread for the World (BFTW).
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Ministry’s Director of Environment, Godwin Fishani Gondwe, Dr. Chibamba highlighted the critical importance of managing natural resources sustainably.
He underscored the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring compliance with environmental protection measures, stressing that responsible resource utilization is key to Zambia’s sustainable development.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including government representatives and civil society organizations, to discuss pressing environmental issues.
CEJ Board Chairperson Vincent Ziba, through CEJ Board Member Emmanuel Mutamba, called for the protection of the rights and livelihoods of communities affected by development projects, particularly in the mining and agricultural sectors.
He advocated for equitable resettlement policies, ensuring that no community is left behind in the nation’s progress.
Mr. Ziba pointed out that biodiversity conservation and compliance, along with equitable resettlement policies, are essential to the nation’s environmental protection efforts.
He emphasized that the country’s natural heritage is its wealth, and effective biodiversity strategies are crucial for preserving this heritage for future generations.
CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape also stressed the importance of the meeting as a platform for learning and collaboration.
She noted that the focus would be on the government’s efforts toward implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy and resettlement policy, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities in these areas.
The engagement saw participation from key government ministries, including the Office of the Vice President-Resettlement Department, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency.
Strategic civil society organizations such as the Norwegian Church Aid, Zambia Climate Change Network, and Zambia Land Alliance also attended the meeting, underscoring the collective effort required to address Zambia’s environmental challenges.
