The Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Collins Nzovu represents the Zambian government at the on-going resumed session of the United Nations Environment Assembly.
NAIROBI, February 28th, 2022 – MINISTER of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Collins Nzovu has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, for a series of meetings under the resumed session of United Nations Environment Assembly.
The Minister is attending the resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and the special session to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Environment Program scheduled for 28th February to 2nd Match and 3rd to 4th March, 2022, respectively.
The two sessions are taking place at the United Nations Environment Programme Headquarters in Nairobi.
During the UNEA session, Minister Nzovu affirmed that Zambia will soon become a global beacon for environmental sustainability and a true champion of Green Economy.
He informed the delegates that the Zambian Government has embarked on promoting green growth and environmental sustainability through establishment of a new pillar on Environmental Sustainability in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).
Hon. Nzovu said the New Dawn Government will continue to champion environmental sustainability and implement policies, programs and plans that yield dividends for generations to come as part of the Green Growth Pathway.
He revealed that the recently issued Environmental Management Regulations on Strategic Environmental Assessment are providing Zambia with a framework for prioritization and integration of environmental considerations in decision making at all levels.
Hon. Nzovu explained that these regulations have enabled Zambia to create a strong mechanism for evaluating the inter linkages of Environmental considerations with economic and social aspects relating to development and implementation of policy, plans and programs.
He said the Zambian Government has also developed and gazetted Green Bond Guidelines through Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the innovative Climate Financing initiative.
“Through this initiative, our government will provide incentives which may include zero-rating withholding tax on interest to incentivize investors,” Hon. Nzovu said.
The minister further said government is currently undertaking a country wide mapping of ecologically sensitive areas for protection and consequent development of Environmental Management Plans.
Hon Nzovu adds that the implementation of various innovative actions for nature by the New Dawn Government resonates well with the theme for this year’s theme of the Assembly “Strengthening actions for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”
The Minister has also called for member states to work together in achieving Environmental Sustainability and improve the livelihoods and health of citizens.
He has since affirmed Zambia’s availability as Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change to provide leadership to the Assembly to ensure that resolutions and decisions were agreed upon by the Assembly.
