WWF urged to intensify engaging traditional leaders in environmental protection
INTENSIFY engaging traditional leaders in issues around environmental protection as they are key because they are direct custodians of the natural resources, Vice President Mutale Nalumango has urged the World-Wide Fund for Nature ( WWF).
Ms Nalumango said there was need for WWF to form stronger partnerships with the traditional leaders because the leaders were key for the protection of natural resources and the environment.
In a speech read by Green Economy and Environment Minister Engineer Collins Nzovu during WWF’s 60 years of existence celebration, Ms Nalumango applauded the organisation for committing to restore the Sioma Ngwezi National Park among other natural resources which were important for the country’s tourism sector.
“Government is confident that with the favorable business climate prevailing in the country, you are poised for a great future in the next 60 years and the people of Zambia will ultimately continue to appreciate your works,” said Ms Nalumango
She said the government was always ready to partner with WWF as she noted with interest that food systems was one of the pillars in building a future that promoted a people centred culture in WWF’s undertaking which was also one of the visions for the office of the vice president.
And WWF Country Coordinator Nachilala Nkombo pledged to support the government’s efforts in tackling some of Zambia’s daunting environmental challenges that threaten the future through collaboration.
Ms Nkombo said the organisation was committed to building a strong and sustainable Zambia.
“We are thankful to the government for allowing us to build a safer and more sustainable environment for all and we will continue to put in efforts aimed at promoting sustainable and safer environments,” said Ms Nkombo.
She said WWF was determined to create a cleaner and safer environment for current and future generations.
Ms Nkombo said WWF was also committed to staying a science based organisation at the cutting edge of science based conservation solutions and innovative solutions within the society that would ensure that production systems and financial systems that were hurting the environment were solved.