UNEP Calls for Establishment of Special Enviornment Court in Zambia

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has urged Zambia to actualize plans to establish a special court to prosecute environmental crimes.

Speaking during the official opening of the 5th Environmental Protection Dialogue organized by Center for Environment Justice (CEJ) in Lusaka, UNEP Deputy Director for the Law Division, Andrew Reine said, 2,116 special environmental courts have been set up world over and they are prosecuting environmental cases.

Mr. Reine noted that specialized environmental courts are helpful as they advance the rule of law and environment justice, noting that a number of discussions are currently being held in Zambia on the establishment of special environmental courts.

He added that establishing a special environmental court is an opportunity to promote justice in the environmental sub sector.

And United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative, Laurent Rudasingwa stressed the need for Zambian citizens to access justice and remedy to environmental injustices and harm.

Mr. Rudasingwa pledged the UNDP’s unwavering support to Zambia as it is grappling with a drought which has been brought about by climate change.

Meanwhile, Center for Environment Justice Executive Director Maggie Mwape, says the organisation has continued hosting the Environmental Protection Dialogue since 2020 in order to provide a platform for discussion on environmental issues.

“The dialogue is a place where solutions are found and suggested for implementation in the country,” Ms. Mwape stated.

And in his keynote speech, Chief Mumena of the Kaonde people of Kalumbila District in North Western Province called for a stop to tree cutting across the country.

Chief Mumena stated that the survival of humanity is dependent on the environment and there is need to stop indiscriminate cutting of trees.

“The over dependence on hydro-electricity has led the country not to diversify to clean energy sources.”
“Zambians must adopt cleaner and greener sources of energy like small stoves which can cook meals without polluting the environment,” Chief Mumena said.

The three-day Environmental Protection Dialogue is being held under the theme; “Strengthening Environmental Law for Thriving Communities.”