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The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has identified several key challenges hampering the effective implementation of climate change plans as outlined in Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).
The issues include institutional inefficiencies, inadequate funding and the lack of a binding legal framework.
In a statement issued on Monday in Lusaka, CTPD Research Associate, Matildah Kaliba, underscored the importance of the proposed Climate Change Bill.
Kaliba expressed believe that the bill presented a crucial opportunity to address these obstacles by providing a comprehensive legal mandate for climate action in Zambia.
Kaliba urged the government to prioritise the finalisation of the Climate Change Bill, emphasising that it was a critical step toward addressing the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
“CTPD urges the government to expedite the legislative process of the Climate Change Bill to ensure that national plans and measures align with international best practices and address Zambia’s specific needs,” she stated.
One significant challenge highlighted by Kaliba was the need for better coordination of carbon market issues.
With the revised National Forestry Policy nearing finalization, Kaliba called on the government to fast-track the Climate Change Bill to harmonise these efforts.
She noted that the existing climate change governance structure struggles with sectoral coordination and suggested that the legislation could establish a unified body to streamline climate-related actions across various sectors.
CTPD also anticipates that the Climate Change Bill would address the issue of domestic resource mobilization.
According to Kaliba, Zambia currently lacks legislation that allocates a specific budget threshold for climate action, leaving climate change activities vulnerable to low and inconsistent funding and excessive reliance on external support.
The proposed legislation could create mechanisms such as a Climate Change Fund to promote increased domestic funding for climate initiatives.
Furthermore, Kaliba highlighted that the legislation could mandate inclusive processes to ensure the active participation of civil society, local communities, and the private sector in climate decision-making.
Kaliba also stressed that the Climate Change Bill was essential not only for overcoming current implementation challenges but also for aligning Zambia’s climate strategies with international standards and effectively addressing the country’s climate vulnerabilities.
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