Government say it has put in place policies, plans, strategies and programs for sustainable environmental management.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mr Collins Nzovu has disclosed that among those measures is the National Policy on Environment and the Environmental Management Act.
He says government has realised the need for an effective formulation and implementation of sound environmental management measures, has said.
He was speaking when he officiated at the Environmental Dialogue Forum 2021 on behalf of Her Honour the Republican Vice-President Mutale Nalumango in Lusaka today.
Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) organized the forum which was held at the Mulungushi International Conference Center.
Mr Nzovu said there is urgent need for measures that offer the best opportunities for the sustainable development agenda so as to avoid more and dire consequences as a result of environmental degradation.
He said in order to facilitate the implementation of these policy frameworks, the UPND Alliance government has reorganized it’s institutions and created the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
“With this restructuring move, the government will endeavor to protect and conserve the environment as enshrined in the Republican Constitution,” Hon Nzovu said.
He said the UPND government under President Hakainde Hichilema was committed to create action oriented platforms and windows for engagement of government traditional leaders, communities and other stakeholders.
“We will do so because we want to influence the development of far reaching initiatives towards Environment protection in a more strategic manner,” the minister said.
Speaking at the same event, CEJ Board Chairperson Vincent Ziba called on other stakeholders to reach out and support the Environmental Protection Agenda.
Meanwhile, Germany Ambassador to Zambia Dr. Wagner bemoaned that Zambia’s deforestation rate was very high adding that the policy framework needed more political will to foster the environment protection fight.
And Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Zambia Martin Dale said the US government was looking forward to more partnerships that endeavors to contribute to the fight for a sustainable future of Zambia and the planet.
