The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says there are ongoing discussions about creating an African instrument on environmental rights.
UNEP Deputy Director of the Law Division, Andrew Raine, says there are already 2,116 specialized environmental courts and tribunals in 67 countries, urging Zambia to establish an environmental Court.
He said the institutions help advance environmental justice by equipping judges with specialized knowledge.
This came to light at the Environmental Protection Day 2024 organized by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) in Lusaka.
Mr. Raine highlighted the importance of environmental rule of law, which he described as having two main components such as good laws and good implementation.
“There is need for fair and clear laws, public participation, access to justice and information, accountability, coordinated mandates, and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms,” said Mr. Riane in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary, Douty Chibamba, highlighted the mounting pressures on the environment and the global forces threatening communities, urging a collective commitment to enforcing environmental laws and best practices to secure a sustainable future.
Speaking through a speech read on his behalf by ministry Director environment, Godwin Gondwe, Mr. Chibamba also addressed the increasing environmental challenges posed by chemicals, solid waste, hazardous waste, industrialization, and mining, calling for urgent corrective actions to manage and remedy the issues.
He therefore stressed the importance of strengthening environmental monitoring, law compliance, and enforcement mechanisms.
Angel Kasabo
