Govt Launches National Green Growth Strategy to Combat Drought
The Zambian government has officially launched its National Green Growth Strategy to address the pressing issue of drought and foster a sustainable economy.
Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu MP, the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, emphasized the urgency of implementing the strategy to mitigate the current drought crisis.
The National Green Growth Strategy aims to transition Zambia towards a resilient, resource-efficient, low-carbon, and socially inclusive economy.
Minister Nzovu outlined the strategy’s four pillars: resilient and climate-compatible growth, enhanced resource efficiency, enhanced natural capital, and improved inclusivity.
Speaking at the launch event in Lusaka, Minister Nzovu stressed the importance of robust implementation, emphasizing the need for swift action to begin addressing the national disaster of drought.
He highlighted key interventions within the strategy, including strengthening the policy framework, mobilizing financial resources, and enhancing research and innovation capacity.
To ensure the success of the strategy, Minister Nzovu announced a comprehensive approach involving all sectors of society. This inclusive strategy will engage government ministries, the private sector, civil society, academia, traditional leaders, and the media.
Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups such as women, youth, the elderly, children, and people with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by environmental challenges.
The Ministry plans to raise awareness about green growth and promote behavior change at all levels of society. Initiatives will include campaigns to incentivize green choices and revisions to educational curricula to integrate green growth principles.
In terms of financing, the Ministry aims to mobilize resources from various sources, including the public
sector budget, public-private partnerships, and bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Ambassador Karolina Stasiak of the European Union to Zambia and COMESA, Dr. Dev Haman of COMESA, and Mr. James Wakiaga of the United Nations Development Programme expressed support for the strategy, emphasizing its relevance and urgency.
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Heinonen, the Country Lead of the Global Green Growth Institute, pledged continued support for Zambia in developing green growth solutions and accessing project financing.
