• It is important that the new Ministers highlight the controversial issues happening in the exploitation of our resources.
• Mobilize a team of Environmental Sustainability Experts and Economists
• Development of a clear Strategy and Implementation Plan for a Green Economy will protect Zambia’s natural resources.

ActionAid says creation of Green Economy and Environment Ministry is a step towards government’s political will of attaining a more sustainable developmental pathway of Zambia’s natural resources proving that natural capital is a critical economic asset.

In a statement issued to Money FM News ActionAid Zambia Country Director Nalucha Ziba is hopeful that the line Ministries of Green Economy and Environment, Lands and Natural Resources and Water Development will work hand in hand in ensuring that Natural Resources are utilized in a resource efficient, low carbon and socially inclusive way.

“It is important that the new Ministers highlight the controversial issues happening in the exploitation of our resources such as Mining in the Lower Zambezi National Park, unsustainable commercial agricultural practices in Kasanka National Park, unrealistic developmental plans of building and encroachment in Zambia’s forest reserves and the delay in passing of the Climate Change Bill,” she said.

Ms. Ziba urges the line ministries, Departments, and Agencies to critically review and revoke some of the unsustainable decisions made by the previous Government stating that Actionaid Zambia is aware of the previous injustices that have been made towards Zambia’s natural resources.

And Ms. Ziba urged the newly appointed Ministers of Green Economy and Environment , lands and natural resources and Water Development to mobilize a team of Environmental Sustainability Experts and Economists who will pick up the formulation process of developing a robust Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan for Zambia.

She stated that the development of a clear Strategy and Implementation Plan for a Green Economy will protect Zambia’s natural resources from ecological scarcities, decrease in agricultural productivity and increased death of both wild and livestock animals.

“We, therefore, strongly urge the newly appointed Ministers Hon. Collins Nzovu (MP) Minister of Green Economy and Environment , Hon. Elijah Muchima (MP) Minister of lands and natural resources and Hon. Mike Elton Mposha (MP) Minister of water, Development in mobilizing a team of Environmental Sustainability Experts and Economists who will immediately pick up the formulation process of developing a robust Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan for Zambia which will give guidance to Zambia’s green economic pathway and sustainable climate smart investments,” she said.

The Country Director added, ActionAid Zambia would render its full support to the newly appointed Line Ministries under environment as they remain key players in Zambia’s Natural Resource governance.