Minister of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE), Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu has challenged Zambian companies to migrate to a circular economy, a solution framework for safeguarding biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution.
Hon. Nzovu was speaking in Helsinki, Finland during engagements between Zambian and Finnish companies on renewable and green technologies in sectors such as forestry, agriculture and energy.
He noted the significant strides Finland has made in championing the circular economy and urged Zambian companies to emulate the Finnish.
The Zambian delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE), Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED), Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Copperbelt Forestry Company Limited (CFC), Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation PLC (ZAFFICO) and a number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The Minister also took time to engage Arbonaut Limited, a Finnish company currently undertaking a comprehensive forest inventory for ZAFFICO.
He called for an extension on the scope of the study to quantify and map natural resources in other parts of the country to enable Zambia manage its resources in a more sustainable manner.
And speaking during dinner hosted for the Zambian delegation, the Finnish Under-Secretary of State for International Trade, Ms. Nina Vaskunlahti stated that the visit by Hon. Nzovu was a great opportunity for Finland to show case its forestry sector and circular economy technical know-how and to explore opportunities for future cooperation.
Ms. Vaskunlahti further stated that “climate change while creating wealth for the benefit of the people, is a common agenda not only for Finland but also the global community.
Finland pledged to play its role in reducing emissions and contribute to the attainment of the overall objective of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The two Ministers alluded to the fact that in Africa, the effects of climate change have more negative impacts on women and children hence requires practical solutions if a circular economy is to be achieved particularly for Zambia.
“For this reason, responsive measures are required to enhance climate adaptation and mitigation so as to promote social equality and enhance the quality of life,” they agreed.
Minister Nzovu is in Finland at the invitation of the Minister of State for Environment, Ms. Emma Kari to promote the Finland-Zambia private sector partnerships.
Finland has over the years provided support to Zambia in the area of forestry and natural resources.
The European nation aims to become the first developed country to reach net zero, in 2035, and net negative absorbing more carbon dioxide than it emits by 2040 through its robust forestry sector.
ISSUED BY:
THE COMMUNICATION UNIT
MINISTRY OF GREEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT
