Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Maggie Mwape, has inaugurated the European Union-funded project, “Strengthening the Respect for Environmental Rights in Zambia (SR4ER),” in Sinazongwe District, Southern Province.
Ms. Mwape highlighted that the project is a joint venture among Hivos, CEJ, and Zambia Institute for Environmental Management (ZIEM), supported by the European Union.
She said the primary objective is to catalyze a positive transformation within Zambia’s environmental rights framework by empowering civil society and rights holders.
Ms Mwape said the 3-year initiative is designed to bolster technical knowledge, promote environmental law compliance and enforcement, elevate public consciousness, and fortify accountability regarding environmental matters.
The CEJ Executive Director said the training sessions are deemed crucial as they enable rights holders to significantly contribute to the preservation and enforcement of environmental rights within their communities.
She said participants will receive training to deepen their understanding of environmental rights, human rights and acquaint them with pertinent legislation, and inform them about proper reporting mechanisms for infringements.
“With the knowledge and skills acquired from this training, you’ll be equipped to pinpoint issues, report them effectively, and hold duty bearers to account. You’ll leave with a heightened awareness of your environmental rights and duties, knowing how to chronicle and communicate environmental transgressions through the appropriate channels. Moreover, you’ll grasp advocacy tactics to advocate for policy amendments and the maintenance of a pristine, secure environment,” she said.
She encouraged active participation, inquisitiveness, and skill acquisition to become stalwarts of environmental rights.
“Collectively, we can forge a future for Zambia where environmental rights are respected for our generation and those to come. Your empowerment is pivotal in ensuring accountability from duty bearers and instigating meaningful change,” she said.
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