Lusaka, Friday, 16th February, 2024 –
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, MP, and senior officials held a meeting today with eight (8) Ambassadors from the European Union, discussing issues common interest on climate change, environment and forestry.
Preceding the closed-door meeting, Hon. Nzovu, under whose responsibility the Zambia Meteorological Department falls, expressed concern about the anticipated negative impact of drought in the country.
Hon. Nzovu informed the Ambassadors that the drought might lead to crop failure and consequently food insecurity.
However, the Honourable Minister assured that the Government was doing everything possible to ensure that Zambians remain food secure.
He further said the drought is likely to led to energy insecurity considering that there might be insufficient water levels to propel hydro power generation.
“Therefore, we need energy efficiency to ensure that energy deficit is not severe,” said Hon. Nzovu, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to encourage investment and consumption of renewable energy.
The Honourable Minister thanked the EU and its Member States for their support to Zambia in various sectors.
And EU Delegation Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA Her Excellency Ms. Karolina Stasiak said the meeting is a follow-up to the recently held Zambia-EU Dialogue meeting.
Ambassador Stasiak said the meeting with MGEE was aimed at discussing climate change and environment, which is part of the common agenda between Zambia and the EU and its Member States.
Hon. Nzovu was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba, Forestry Director Mr. Sitwala Wamunyima, Acting Director of Human Resources and Administration Mr. Frank Mbwayu and other Senior Officials in the Ministry.
EU Member States that participated in the meeting included Her Excellency Dr. Anne Wagner-Mitchell (Germany), His Excellency Mr. François Goldblatt (France), His Excellency Mr. Pavel Procházka (Czech Republic), Her Excellency Ms. Bronagh Carr (Ireland), Her Excellency Ms. Saana Halinen (Finland), His Excellency Mr. Johan Hallenborg (Sweden) and His Excellency Dr. Enrico De Agostini (Italy) as well as EU Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Petra Gasparova, EU Team Leader Mr. Matthias Reusing and EU Programme Manager Ms. Cristina Soriani.
The MGEE and EU Delegations discussed various matters of mutual interest to both parties.
