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Zambia Pushes for Full Implementation of Environmental Fund to Combat Pollution

 Lusaka, Zambia — The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) is calling for the full operationalisation of the environmental fund to address and restore environmental damage across the nation. ZEMA Director General Godfrey Mwiinga emphasized the fund's importance during a stakeholder consultative meeting on the regulatory impact assessment for the proposed environmental fund regulations at the Court Yard Hotel on Friday.

Mr. Mwiinga explained that the environmental fund was established to mitigate environmental damage, particularly in situations where no specific party can be held accountable. "The establishment of the environmental fund is critical as it will help ZEMA to deal with areas that have been polluted without accountable parties," he stated.

He highlighted the necessity of developing regulations that balance environmental protection with socio-economic development. "The Zambia Environmental Management Agency is proposing to introduce the environment fund regulations to operationalise the environment fund, created under Section 95 of the Environmental Management Act, No. 12 of 2011. The fund is a vital tool in our efforts to address pressing environmental challenges facing our nation," Mr. Mwiinga said.

The fund is designed to provide a dedicated source of financing for environmental conservation, sustainable development, and pollution control. It aims to support projects that reduce pollution, promote clean technologies, mitigate environmental degradation, and educate communities about environmental issues, including orphaned pollution. It will also facilitate research to advance environmental management and sustainable natural resource practices.

As part of the regulatory impact assessment, required by Section 6 of the Business Regulatory Act No. 3 of 2014, ZEMA is conducting at least 30 days of consultative meetings with affected persons and businesses. These consultations aim to analyze the issues addressed by the proposed regulations, explore solutions, and conduct a cost-benefit analysis.

"We are here to present the draft regulations for the environmental fund to assess their potential impacts on the regulatory framework and business costs," Mr. Mwiinga said.

In support of ZEMA's efforts, Michael Musenga, Director of the Children's Environmental Health Foundation, praised the agency's proactive stance in introducing the environmental fund regulations. He described the fund as a significant step toward sustainable conservation, pollution control, and development.

Mr. Musenga commended ZEMA's commitment to a comprehensive regulatory impact assessment and its inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement. "Your efforts are crucial in paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable Zambia. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to safeguarding our environment," he stated.

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