Zambia Urges Collective Action to Tackle Environmental Challenges

Livingstone, Zambia — In a passionate appeal for collective action, Livingstone District Commissioner Eunice Nawa has underscored the urgent need to address environmental challenges in Zambia. Speaking at the World Environment Day commemoration held at the Livingstone Civic Centre, Ms. Nawa highlighted the theme of 'Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience in Zambia.'

Ms. Nawa emphasized the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and their detrimental impact on multiple sectors. “These disasters have, to varying extents, adversely affected sectors such as agriculture, wildlife, forestry, water, and energy, and human health, thereby significantly affecting livelihoods and national socio-economic development,” she stated.

The commissioner noted that Zambia's economy heavily relies on the exploitation of natural resources, including land, water, forests, and wildlife, which are increasingly threatened by climatic hazards. She called for sustainable practices to reduce biodiversity loss, combat pollution, and protect the planet for future generations, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach and robust stakeholder collaboration.

"Zambia faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and land degradation, which threaten the country’s biodiversity and agricultural productivity, exacerbating food insecurity and poverty in rural communities," Ms. Nawa said. She urged continuous efforts in environmental conservation and resilience building.

In line with World Environment Day activities, Minor Hotels Zambia hosted a tree-planting event at Dambwa Mini Hospital. Laurie Burr, General Manager of Minor Hotels Zambia Complex, stated that the initiative aims to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

"Trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and improving air quality. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire positive environmental action and foster a deeper appreciation for nature," Mr. Burr said. He added that by planting trees, the city reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship, emphasizing that trees are vital to the health and well-being of both people and the environment.

The tree-planting event is part of broader efforts to encourage environmental conservation and highlight the critical role trees play in maintaining ecological balance and combating climate change.