ZAMBIA ADDRESSING IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES – HON. MPOSHA
Lusaka, Tuesday, 17th September, 2024 – Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Mike Mposha says Zambia is addressing immediate environmental challenges and positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development.
During the official opening of the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa Conference, Hon. Mposha said the theme of the conference, “Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): Transitioning into equitable, just, and sustainable economies,” deeply resonates with the current environmental and socio-economic challenges faced in the southern African region.
He said the southern African region is blessed with rich biodiversity, vast natural resources, and resilient communities.
“However, our area is also highly vulnerable to environmental degradation and climate change. We are witnessing increased incidences of drought, unpredictable rainfall patterns, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. The impacts of climate change exacerbate poverty, food insecurity, and water scarcity, creating a dire situation that demands urgent and coordinated action,” he said.
The Honourable Minister said these environmental challenges are deeply interwoven with the economic and social well-being.
He said to transition into equitable, just, and sustainable economies, there is need to first address the environmental issues that hinder development.
On the role of education in combating climate change, Hon. Mposha said globally, education, in its broader sense, is increasingly seen as a critical response to climate change.
He said education provides the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for people worldwide to take meaningful action against this global crisis.
Hon. Mposha said international conventions and policies have long recognised the essential role of education in addressing climate change.
He said this need has been highlighted in various initiatives, including the Rio Earth Summit, the UNFCCC Article 6 and the Doha Work programme, the Kyoto Protocol’s Article 10, the Paris Agreement of 2016, the Durban Forum on Capacity Building, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002), and the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014).
Hon. Mposha said these global frameworks underscore the importance of educating and learning at the heart of our efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The Honourable Minister said through the Ministry, Zambia is addressing immediate environmental challenges and positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development.
He said the Government’s commitment to this cause is further demonstrated by establishing a new pillar on environmental sustainability in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) from 2022 to 2026.
Hon. Mposha said this pillar underscores the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the national development agenda.
On th role of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Hon. Mposha said the theme of this conference is closely aligned with the mission of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
He said Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is crucial in raising awareness, building capacity, and empowering communities to take action for a sustainable future.
“ESD fosters the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed to address environmental challenges and to drive the transition to a green economy,” said Hon. Mposha.
