Melo Media |10th November, 2023
DR. KAMAYOYO Kelvin, Technical Advisor for first-ever Zambezi River lndaba & Expo 2024 and African Rivers a not-for-profit international conservation non-governmental organization has noted that for the African continent to effectively build climate resilience and guarantee full maximisation of the gains from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) attainment come 2030 and beyond, there was need for concerted effort in building climate science literacy, increasing climate finance and imparting climate knowledge especially among the school going children who are obviously the future majority custodians of planet earth. Dr. Kamayoyo said imparting climate knowledge or education and embracing stakeholder inclusiveness are key ingredients to innovating effective ways of protecting nature especially safeguarding the health of rivers including other water bodies like streams, dams and lakes across the world.
Dr. Kamayoyo observed that climate science literacy enables us human beings to better understand our influence on climate and also appreciate the influence of the environment on our livelihoods and welfare of society in general. Notwithstanding, climate change will continue to be a significant element of society’s transformation and nature wellbeing, as such a better understanding of the necessary principles of climate science and education can help people to assess scientifically credible information about climate events, and effectively advocate for climate adaptation approaches. Dr. Kamayoyo stressed that climate science literacy and education were crucial towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) whose deadline is coming in 2030 and as such mathematics, science and technology need to be highly promoted and mainstreamed in most schools education curriculum on the continent of Africa.
Dr. Kamayoyo noted that if most African countries are to attain the SDGs targets by 2030, there was need for them to focus more on promoting broadbased economic development that prioritises increased investment in the rural areas and skills development among the local communities. Apparently promoting broadbased economic development and seriously implementing national socio-economic transformation agenda would substantially develop rural areas and make them more attractive for green-field investment and doing business. Dr. Kamayoyo further, argued that if a country records exponential increase in the rural population migrating to urban areas or cities, then such a country should from face value conclude that the rural areas are experiencing chronic economic recession and opportunities for economic emancipation are far-fetched.
The Zambezi River lndaba & Expo 2024 is therefore inclusive and sensitive to the needs of different stakeholders across the nature spectrum. Climate science literacy and education ought to be at the centre of accelerating implementation of the SDGs because it helps to make informed and responsible decisions with regard to actions that affect nature thus, earth, water, fire, air, and space. Dr. Kamayoyo said it was for this reason that the Indaba & Expo 2024 has integrated a specialised event relevant to the Children’s needs by hosting the first-ever “National Education Quiz Competition on Children’s Climate Literacy, Water and Nature-Based Solutions” for sustainable development and prosperous futures. The event is expected to attract 22 pupils from 10 secondary schools across the 10 provinces of Zambia. He added that there was need to scale-up communication and awareness activities especially focusing on sustainable land use, dangers of climate change and how people can better prepare or build resilience against unforeseen climate adverse developments.
Dr. Kamayoyo said the first-ever Zambezi River Indaba & Expo will be held under the theme: “Promoting River Restoration, Climate Smart Investment, Technology and Water Harvesting for Sustainable Development and Job Creation” in Africa from the 25th to 28th March, 2024 in Livingstone the tourist capital of Zambia. He also emphasised that the event was unique because it was focusing on both commercial and social value of the Zambezi River including its tributaries and catchment area. Dr. Kamayoyo observed that rivers and other water bodies across the continent of Africa are under severe stress induced by the unrelenting climate change and therefore all stakeholders on planet earth should come together in unity of purpose to proactively implement strategic actions that make the environment safer for all.
For more details, comments and sponsorship towards the Zambezi River lndaba & Expo 2024, please contact us on:
Website: www.african-rivers.org
Email: [email protected]
Facebook page: African Rivers
Cell: +260977700061
+260764171904
