Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Minister Wilbur Simuusa has disclosed that Zambia has recorded tremendous progress in creating awareness concerning environmental issues in the last one year.
Mr. Simuusa said judging from the progress attained in the last few months, Zambia has the potential to top the continent’s list of countries with sound environmental awareness programmes.
He noted that world over, environmental issues have in the recent past taken centre stage in sustaining economic growth adding that Zambia will do well to priorities such issues in all areas of national development.
And Mr. Simuusa disclosed that government will soon hold an indaba with all charcoal stakeholders to come up with regulatory measures regarding the charcoal burning industry.
He said the meeting, whose date will be announced later, will seeks to uphold safe and productive practices which support environmental safety.
The minister was speaking last evening when he officiated at the first ever Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) Interim Environmental Fund (IEF) contract awarding ceremony presented to the Copperbelt University, the National Technical and Business College (NTBC) and Solwezi Municipal Council.
The three institutions were awarded the contracts and funds to support the approved projects which include the domestication, commercialization and utilization of wild tubers and bulbs, renewable energy and the waste management projects.
And speaking at the same occasion, ZEMA Board Chairperson Francis Yamba said the fund awarded to the first three institutions will help mitigate environmental degradation and reduce its adverse affects.
Professor Yamba pledged the board’s commitment to working with government and all stakeholders in ensuring a proper management of the environment and natural resources.