ZAMBIA, AUSTRALIA TO COLLABORATE ON ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES – HON. MPOSHA

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Mike Mposha says Zambia and Australia have to collaborate on a range of environmental initiatives, particularly in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and forestry, and biodiversity conservation.

Speaking when Australian High Commissioner to Zambia Her Excellency Ms. Minoli Perera paid a courtesy call on him, Hon. Mposha said by working together, the two countries can leverage their respective strengths and address the pressing environmental challenges.

“We recognize the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change, deforestation, pollution, and limited resources. The impacts of these challenges are far-reaching, affecting our economy, public health, and biodiversity,” he said.

The Minister said so far, the Ministry has embarked on various programmes and projects aimed at afforestation/reforestation of forests, smart agriculture, renewable energy, pollution management and expansion of weather and climate infrastructure and services.

Hon. Mposha said the Ministry is also reviewing and developing various policies and legislation to strengthen the legal framework in this sector.

He, however, said that to effectively implement these programs, there is need for adequate resources, adoption of modern technologies in climate sensitive sectors and this requires enhanced collaboration between our two countries.

Hon. Mposha said Australia has a wealth of experience and expertise in addressing environmental challenges and believes that a partnership with Australia can provide valuable support to zambia in developing sustainable solutions.

He said one key area of collaboration is climate change as Zambia and Australia can jointly research climate change impacts, develop adaptation strategies, and share green technologies.

“Capacity building programs can also help Zambia implement effective climate mitigation and adaptation measures. In addition, the two countries can collaborate on renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power which promote energy efficiency measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

“Another important area of cooperation is sustainable agriculture and forestry. By promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and supporting sustainable forest management, Zambia and Australia can enhance resilience to climate change and protect biodiversity.”

He said community-based natural resource management approaches can also help ensure equitable access to resources and sustainable livelihoods.

Hon. Mposha added that environmental education and awareness programs can raise awareness of environmental issues and empower communities.
highlighting Zambia’s drought experience.

He said the sub-sahara region were affected by the recent drought and Zambia was not spared from the drought and has had a devastating impact on the environment sector in the country.

Hon. Mposha said the lack of rainfall has led to severe water shortages, affecting agriculture, livestock, and ecosystems.

“Rivers and wetlands have dried up, impacting biodiversity and reducing water availability for domestic and industrial use. The drought has also exacerbated deforestation as communities turn to unsustainable practices to meet their needs,” he said.

“This loss of vegetation has further contributed to soil erosion, desertification, and reduced carbon sequestration. The drought has highlighted the vulnerability of Zambia’s environment to climate change and the urgent need for sustainable and resilient development strategies.”

He said based on this experience, Zambia and Australia could collaborate to address the drought’s impact on the environment.

The Minister said joint efforts could include restoring degraded ecosystems through reforestation and afforestation program, strengthening early warning systems to improve disaster preparedness and response, investing in climate change adaptation and mitigation to build resilience to future droughts and extreme weather events, developing drought-resistant crops and promoting sustainable agriculture practices to ensure food security.

Hon. Mposha said the two countries could leverage respective strengths and address the pressing environmental challenges facing both countries.

He said he was confident that this partnership would contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for Zambia and Australia.

He reiterated Zambia’s commitment to strengthening partnership with Australia in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

And Australian High Commissioner to Zambia Ms. Minoli Perera acknowledged the long outstanding bilateral relationship that has been in existence and continues to exist between the two countries.

Ms. Perera said she was looking forward to working with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment in relation to climate change mitigation.

 

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