Media Network Action on Climate Change

23/08/2025

Remembering Robert K***a Chimambo: A Champion of Zambia's Natural Heritage.

More than a year after his passing, Zambia's renowned natural heritage defender, Robert K***a Chimambo, was remembered during a memorial event held in Forest Reserve Number 27. Mr. Chimambo, a passionate environmentalist and legal advocate, dedicated his life to protecting the Chalimbana River Basin and Forest 27 before his untimely death on January 27, 2024.

His fourth-born daughter, Mubanga Chimambo, expressed concern over the continued encroachment in Forest 27, recalling her father's warnings about the adverse effects of inaction. The Robert K***a Chimambo Memorial Forest 27 Walk, Run, and Hike was organized to celebrate his legacy and promote environmental stewardship.

Stakeholders gathered at the event called for the preservation of Forest 27, citing its significance as a water recharge forest for the city of Lusaka and the Chalimbana River. Established in 1957, Forest 27 is a protected area covering approximately 1,764 hectares. However, encroachments by the affluent have threatened its incredible biodiversity.

Recently, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Elijah Muchima indicated that the government would issue a decree to halt all developments in Forest 27 and conduct an environmental impact assessment. As the country reflects on Mr. Chimambo's legacy, his tireless efforts to protect Zambia's natural heritage serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

23/08/2025

Look out....

05/06/2025

UN Urges Collective Action to Combat Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day.

Lusaka, Zambia - June 5, 2025

By Kennedy Phiri

The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms. Beatrice Mutali, has called for collective action to combat plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Suze Percy-Filippini, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Zambia, highlighted the severity of plastic pollution, citing its impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health.

According to Ms. Mutali, Zambia generates an estimated 80,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually, with only 10% being collected and properly disposed of, leaving the remaining 90% to contaminate the environment.

The UN Resident Coordinator commended the Zambian government for its efforts in addressing environmental challenges, including the implementation of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 and the Waste Management Act No. 20 of 2018.

Ms. Mutali emphasized the importance of implementing policies and regulations to reduce plastic waste, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable practices. She also urged individuals, businesses, and government to work together to combat plastic pollution.

The UN is supporting the government in developing and implementing initiatives to address plastic pollution, including the enhancement of Zambia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the assessment and mapping of pollution hotspots.

As the world commemorates World Environment Day under the theme "Ending Plastic Pollution," Ms. Mutali called on Zambians to make responsible choices to reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover plastic waste, emphasizing that every small action counts in the fight against plastic pollution.

The event was attended by government officials, including Hon. Mike Mposha, MP, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, representatives of UN agencies, cooperating partners, and members of the media.

04/06/2025

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA NETWORK ACTION ON CLIMATE WORRIED OVER PLASTIC POLLUTION ESCALATION

Thursday June 5th 2025

As Zambia stands with the global community in commemorating the 2025 World Environment Day on June 5 under the theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, the Media Network Action on Climate is concerned that plastic pollution is choking our cities, poisoning our air, and threatening our future.

Despite the existence of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law in the country, enforcement remains weak, allowing plastic waste to overtake our streets, drainage systems, and waterways.

Major cities like Lusaka and Kitwe are drowning in plastic litter, and the daily burning of this waste is poisoning our air with toxic fumes, endangering the health of our people.

But the crisis does not end with plastic. Zambia faces an alarming escalation in environmental disasters - prolonged droughts, destructive flash floods, and severe deforestation-induced land degradation. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is here, it is real, and it is worsening.

We demand that the government, private sector, and all citizens take urgent, decisive action to:

Enforce the EPR law—plastic producers must be held accountable for the waste they create.
Invest in sustainable alternatives—biodegradable packaging, recycling infrastructure, and circular economy solutions must become the norm.
Mobilize national campaigns—public education, community-led clean-up drives, and responsible consumer habits must take center stage.
Strengthen disaster preparedness—we must prioritize climate-smart solutions to protect vulnerable communities.
The time for empty promises and delayed action is over.

Kennedy Phiri - Executive Coordinator
Email:[email protected]

03/06/2025

Thanks to Global health now....

Some nations have already taken decisive steps to ban mercury amalgam in dental fillings—but in Zambia, despite the dangers, progress has stalled.

17/05/2025

MENACC CALLS FOR SPEEDY PROBE INTO LATEST KAFUE RIVER CONTAMINATION

Media Statement for immediate release.
Media Network Action on Climate Change calls for speedy establishment of source and nature of latest Kafue river contamination.
Saturday 17th May, 2025.

The Media Network Action on Climate Change (MENACC ) expresses deep concern over the suspected water pollution incident in the Kafue River, which led to the shutdown of a major water supply facility in Chililabombwe. This latest incident highlights the vulnerability of Kafue River and other water sources and the need for urgent action to protect public health and the environment.

Among our key concerns include:

1. Environmental degradation: The suspected contamination of the Kafue River raises questions about the effectiveness of current environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms. The lack of transparency and accountability in addressing environmental incidents undermines efforts to protect our natural resources.
2. Public health risks: The shutdown of the water supply facility and reliance on temporary measures pose significant health risks to the affected communities. The provision of water from underground dewatering operations, while certified safe, is a stopgap measure that does not address the root cause of the problem.
3. Lack of transparency and accountability: The inconclusive results of the laboratory testing and the uncertainty surrounding the source and nature of the contamination underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability in addressing environmental incidents. The public has a right to know what happened and what is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future.

MENACC therefore urges government to:

1. Conduct a thorough investigation: Determine the source and nature of the contamination and hold those responsible accountable. The investigation should be transparent, and the findings should be made public.
2. Implement robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms: Strengthen environmental regulations and enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes regular monitoring of water quality and imposing penalties on those who violate environmental regulations.
3. Invest in sustainable water management practices: Prioritize sustainable water management practices to protect public health and the environment. This includes investing in water treatment infrastructure and promoting water conservation practices.

MENACC stands in solidarity with the affected communities and calls for immediate action to address this environmental crisis. We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for policies and practices that prioritize environmental protection and public health.

Issued by:
Kennedy Phiri
Executive Coordinator

01/05/2025

Woman's dream to restore a dried up river in Livingstone. Will this come to fruition ?
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1QHuvBKVGa/

22/03/2025

Earth Hour is Here.

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Network Action on Climate Change (MENACC) urges Zambians to observe Earth Hour.
Saturday 22nd March, 2025.

Lusaka, Zambia – On Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 8:30 PM local time, Zambia will join millions of people worldwide in observing Earth Hour, a global movement that raises awareness about the urgent need for climate action.

As part of the global Earth Hour movement, MENACC is calling on Zambians to switch off non-essential lights and appliances for one hour to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the planet.

"Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and it requires immediate attention and action," said Kennedy Phiri, MENACC Executive Coordinator.

"By participating in Earth Hour, Zambians can show their support for climate action and encourage policymakers to prioritize sustainable development."

MENACC is urging individuals, businesses, and organizations to participate in Earth Hour by:

- Switching off non-essential lights and appliances from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM on March 22, 2025.
- Committing to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in their daily lives.

"Every small action counts, and collective action can lead to significant positive change," added Mr. Phiri. "Let's come together to make a difference and create a better future for ourselves and future generations."

Issued by: MENACC Communications Unit.

Note to editors:
- Earth Hour is a global movement that was launched in 2007 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
- MENACC is a network of media professionals and organizations working together to promote climate change awareness and action in Zambia.

05/03/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/africabrief/p/advocacy-group-urges-zambia-to-create?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

The advocacy group's recommendation follows a growing global trend of creating specialized environmental judicial mechanisms to address complex ecological legal challenges.

05/03/2025

Media Statement for Immediate Release

Government Urged to Establish Environmental Crimes Court

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

The Media Network Action on Climate Change (MENACC) joins the growing chorus calling for the establishment of an Environmental Crimes Court in Zambia similar to the financial crimes court.

Recent environmental disasters on the Copperbelt, Mumbwa, and other parts of the country have highlighted the need for a specialized court. Devastating floods, toxic waste dumping, and widespread deforestation have resulted in inadequate justice for victims of environmental pollution and degradation.

The current judicial system falls short in addressing environmental law complexities. An Environmental Court would provide a dedicated platform for hearing environmental cases, allowing specialized judges, prosecutors, and lawyers to develop expertise.

This court would promote sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and hold individuals and organizations accountable for environmental damage.

The cost of environmental damage is often too huge to contemplate, affecting both the environment and humans, with far-reaching consequences for future generations thus the need for adequate environmental justice is critical.

We urge the Government of Zambia to take concrete steps towards establishing an Environmental Court and provide necessary resources and support.

Issued by:

Kennedy Phiri

Executive Coordinator

25/02/2025

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO KITWE ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER MOOTED.
see statement below.....
MINISTRY OF GREEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT
Press Statement
(For immediate release)

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO ACID SPILLAGE IN MWAMBASHI, KAFUE RIVER

Kitwe, 25th, February, 2025- The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has committed to engaging the services of an independent investigator to ascertain the extent of environmental damage caused by the recent spillage of acid in Mwambashi and Kafue rivers which occurred on 18th February, 2025.

The investigator will conduct a thorough assessment of the impact of acid spillage on the aquatic ecosystem, surrounding communities, and the environment as a whole. The investigation will also identify the integrity of the tailing dams and other storage facilities so as to ascertain the root causes of the spillage and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mr. Mike Mposha,MP reiterated that government is deeply concerned about the potential harm caused by acid spillage and is committed to ensuring that Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited is held accountable for the environmental and water pollution that has been caused resulting in the loss of crops and businesses for the people of Chambishi, Kalulushi and Kitwe.

He added that an independent investigation will provide a transparent and impartial assessment of the situation and inform members of the public accordingly.

Hon. Mposha further said that the compliance order that was issued to Sino metals on 21st February, 2025 remains enforce and will only be upheld once a satisfying report is given ruling out absence of heavy metal residues that may cause long term effects on the environment, affected residents, as well as water bodies.

The Minister directed ZEMA to expedite the process of assessment adding that the Ministry is working with other stakeholders in ensuring that the situation is controlled.

The Ministry will keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation and will provide updates on any measures being taken to address the environmental damage caused by the acid spillage and appeal to all Mining companies to adhere to environmental policies in place.
Ministry of Information and Media - Zambia Presidential Delivery Unit Zambia Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Zambia Environmental Management Agency fans

Issued by:
(Signed original copy)

Harriet M. Chimuka
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment
0776413993
[email protected]