The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) on 16th of June, 2023 made a submission to the parliamentary committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism on the amendment of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011.
Making the submission to the committee on behalf of the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), CEJ Head of Programmes Mr Ricky Kalaluka acknowledged government’s commitment in undertaking legal reforms that underpin the governance of Energy, Water Development, Tourism and Environmental Protection in the country.
Mr Kalaluka emphasized that, it was gratifying to note that efforts have been made in the Environmental Management Amendment Bill of 2023 to ensure the domestication of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on the substances’ that deplete the ozone layer. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer is a binding international agreement or treaty, intended to create rights and obligations in international law.
Emphasizing on the Submission, CEJ Board Member Mr Bornface Mumba indicated that it’s important that the proposed Amendment Bill of 2023 provides for sustainable management of natural resources, protection of the environment and the prevention and control of pollution. Mr Mumba stated that the Governing board of the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) should also be unfairly representative because it has been noted that Civil Society Organizations are not fairly represented as well as the current Environmental Management Act No 12 of 2011 is silent on the protection and promotion of children’s environmental rights.
CEJ delegation also consisted of Mr Freeman Mubanga (Head of Research and Studies) and Ms Jennifer Mwanangombe (Research Assistant). Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) further thanked the parliamentary committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism Chairperson Hon Romeo Kangombe for according the organization to make a submission on the Environmental Management Act Amendment Bill of 2023.
