The relationship between the ecosystem and economy has proved that economic solutions cannot
be derived in isolation from nature. Economic benefits are directly deduced from nature, agricultural produce, minerals, water, livestock, and forests thus, positioning nature at the core of economic
growth. However, over the years the rapid deterioration of the natural environment has produced
adverse effects to the climate and weather patterns leading to a rise in natural disasters such as
floods, droughts, change in rainfall and extreme temperatures.
Governments across the globe are committing a lot of resources towards net zero carbon emissions.
Similarly, Zambia has not lagged behind in these discourses. The government of Zambia introduced
the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, with a goal to green Zambia’s economy and curb
the effects of climate change. It is estimated that the impact of climate change will cost Zambia
approximately 0.4% of annual economic growth. It is further estimated that without action, rainfall
variability alone could lead to losses of 0.9% of GDP growth over the next decade, thereby keeping
a significant section of Zambia’s population below the poverty line as well as cause disruption in
biodiversity. (Zambia’s 7th NDP, p.36)
Consensus has been on the need to have a multisectoral approach to combat climate change. To this effect both
private and public sectors have to work together to lead the desired change. Policy must be forward looking as
well as all-encompassing to drive the green agenda and protect biodiversity for a sustainable economic growth.
At the same time the private sector needs to clearly appreciate sustainability in business and the communities
they do business in order to grow sustainably. Most of these private sector players will have to incur
transitional expenses, while others may have origination overlays. At present there remains a huge gap
between nature conservation and financing options. This thus leaves a critical need for tailored financial instruments targeted at sustainability of the environment and biodiversity.
In view of the above, WWF partnering with the Capital Markets Association of Zambia and the Securities Exchange Commission bring to you this engagement that will bring policy makers, executive leads, Boards, Investors, capital market players as well as other key sectors into one room to provide a thorough debate on various themes from environment to capital financing for green projects initiatives. The primary emphasis of the Conference will be on presenting status of the actions that the country has taken in greening the economy by mitigating the impacts of climate change. We will also highlight the various progress and financing opportunities within the financial and capital market sector supporting sustainability projects. The conference will also address key opportunities and challenges and address any actions for aggressive uptake of green financing going forward.
The theme of this investor conference is dubbed “Current State of Zambia’s Nature Based Solutions”