ZEMA approves 20 climate change-related projects in six months

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved 20 climate change-related projects in the past six months.

Since January 2024, ZEMA has processed 20 dam projects, approving 13 with a total investment of $525,020,678.37.

Christopher Kanema, ZEMA Acting Director Operations, noted that these projects included dams for irrigation and energy sector initiatives.

He emphasized ZEMA’s commitment to balancing economic development with environmental protection to ensure sustainability.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Kanema highlighted ZEMA’s participatory approach, engaging stakeholders, including those affected and interested parties.

He stressed the importance of focusing on climate change mitigation through projects like drought relief and renewable energy, including hydropower, solar, and wind.

ZEMA also participated in the 96th Agriculture and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia Limited event, interpreting the theme “Creating a Competitive Future” through the lens of environmental management.

Kanema underscored ZEMA’s role in conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all projects to identify potential impacts and develop compensation and settlement plans to address any negative effects on the environment and communities.

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