EU-Funded Project Empowers Rights Holders in Serenje on Environmental Rights
The European Union-funded project, called “Strengthening the Respect for Environmental Rights (SR4ER),” has successfully trained Rights Holders in Serenje District, Central Province, on environmental rights.
Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Maggie Mwape highlighted that this initiative, a collaborative effort between HIVOS, CEJ, and the Zambia Institute of Environmental Management (ZIEM), aims to bring about positive changes to Zambia’s environmental rights landscape.
Ms Mwape emphasised that the project’s goal is to empower Civil Society Organisations and Rights Holders to create a robust framework ensuring the protection and respect of environmental rights.
The three-year initiative seeks to enhance technical knowledge, lobby for improved environmental laws and policies, increase public awareness, and ensure accountability on environmental issues.
She expressed confidence that these efforts will foster a more informed and proactive community of environmental stewards.
“As Rights Holders, you play a vital role in exercising and upholding environmental rights in your communities. The training equips you with the necessary knowledge of environmental rights, relevant laws, and appropriate channels for reporting violations. By building capacity, the project aims to empower participants to identify issues, report effectively, and demand accountability from duty bearers,” she said.
One of the Rights Holders, Harrison Kamfwa, believes it is possible to create a Zambia where environmental rights are upheld for current and future generations.
Kamfwa emphasised that empowerment is crucial for holding duty-bearers accountable and driving positive change.
