Government says it is committed to making Zambia a global beacon for environmental sustainability and a champion of the green economy.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu has said it was for that reason that President Hakainde Hichilema appreciated the need to build capacity for tackling climate change.
Mr. Nzovu said capacity building for tackling climate change would have a particular focus on women, youths and marginalised communities.
The minister said this when he officiated at the Parliamentary Orientation Workshop on Climate Change by the Humanistisch Instituut voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking (HIVOS) and World-wide Fund for Nature with participation from various Members of Parliament.
“Working with cooperating partners, the New Dawn government is championing stronger resilience building against climate vulnerabilities through various programs such as Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) and Strengthening climate resilience of agricultural livelihoods in agro-ecological regions in Zambia among others,” Hon. Nzovu said.
He further said that if not tackled with the urgency it deserves, climate change threatens to increase the frequency and serenity of natural disasters in Zambia.
Mr. Nzovu notes that Zambia is currently witnessing more frequent severe weather events and predictable rainfall patterns and causing droughts and floods in various localities.
“Our government recognised that an inconsistent burden from these events is being carried by the poorest and most vulnerable of our people, in communities which lack the means to adapt to what is happening,” he added.
The minister further stressed that adequate efforts and finances are needed for adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development overall.
“Tackling climate change presents our beautiful country with opportunities for green growth and jobs, new sources of exports, and stimulation of trade and innovation,” Hon Nzovu added.
Speaking earlier at the same event, Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) Country Engagement Manager for HIVOS William Chilufya said there was need for a new approach that connects diverse people where they are recognised to transform the climate agenda.
Mr. Chilufya added that HIVOS wanted to work with the grassroots to come up with solutions to climate change that are fundable.
