FQM Launches School Conservation Clubs in North-Western Province
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has launched the School Conservation Clubs initiative in North-Western Province, aiming to instill environmental stewardship among the region’s youth. This initiative seeks to equip students in the catchment areas surrounding FQM’s mines with the knowledge, skills, and passion necessary to preserve Zambia’s natural heritage, while addressing urgent ecological challenges.
At the launch, North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Col. Grandson Katambi (Retd), represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi, commended FQM for its commitment to both economic growth and environmental sustainability. He stressed the importance of fostering a generation that understands the significance of addressing environmental issues such as deforestation, poaching, pollution, bushfires, and climate change.
“The School Conservation Clubs provide an invaluable platform for our children to become part of the solution, to become agents of positive change,” said Col. Katambi. “These clubs will empower them to be leaders in driving environmental action within their schools and communities.”
The initiative is aligned with FQM’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, which focus on environmental protection and the social well-being of local communities. Kansanshi Foundation Manager Simon Keevil explained that the program is designed to inspire the next generation to engage in sustainable practices and address environmental challenges through structured conservation clubs in schools.
“As a company, we recognize the responsibility we bear not only in resource extraction but also in contributing to the communities and environments where we operate,” Keevil stated. “The School Conservation Clubs are a natural extension of our efforts to create a net positive impact on biodiversity.”
The project includes establishing conservation clubs in schools, building capacity for teachers and students, engaging stakeholders, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. North-Western Province Provincial Education Officer Frederick Munkinyi, appointed as the patron for the initiative, emphasized that today’s educational needs go beyond the classroom and must inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and responsibility for the planet.
“First Quantum Minerals has long been a champion of sustainable development, and their commitment to conservation is evident in this initiative,” Mr. Munkinyi said. “The School Conservation Clubs will provide students with hands-on experiences and opportunities to contribute to conservation projects, enabling them to play an active role in preserving our natural heritage.”
The initiative also enjoys strong support from the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia. Environmental Education Officer Juliet Namukoko expressed her gratitude for the partnership between FQM, the Ministry of Education, and her organization in establishing and managing the conservation clubs.
“Today’s launch marks an important milestone in advancing environmental education and empowering the next generation of environmental stewards,” Namukoko said.
To date, FQM has conducted training for teachers in 11 schools in Solwezi and 7 schools in Kalumbila, providing them with the tools and knowledge to lead the initiative. The program is a key component of FQM’s sustainability efforts to build local capacity and raise environmental awareness in surrounding communities.
The long-term goals of the initiative include increased awareness of conservation issues, greater capacity to implement environmental projects, a reduction in bushfires, a positive shift in attitudes towards conservation, and the promotion of sustainable practices such as recycling and afforestation.
