LUSAKA, Zambia-2rd June, 2023– The commemoration of world environment day is an international event established by the United Nations, General Assembly on 15th December 1992 in order to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment. This year the ministry of Green Economy and Environment will be commemorating the world environment day on 5th June 2023 under the theme; “Beat Plastic Pollution”.
In celebrating this generous contribution, the Guest of Honour, Honourable Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Eng. Collins Njovu MP, today joined by; Mr. Sonny Zulu-Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director, Ms. Nachilala Nkombo-World Wildlife Fund country Director,Mrs. Fronscen Haloba– Public Affairs Communication and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola, Mr. Geoffrey Choma-Food and Agriculture Organisation representative and other officials.
Speaking during the event, held at the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, World Wildlife Fund country Director said that, developing waste management policies and regulations alone cannot be sufficient efforts to beat plastic pollutions. There is a need, beyond and for that, WWF officially handed over 20 industrial plastic waste disposal bins valued at ZMW50, 000.00 to the ministry of green economy and environment, in order to actualize beating plastic pollutions by supporting safe plastic disposal and contributing to the protection of humans and the environment in Zambia.
Ms. Nachilala further said that, the contributed waste bins are just a drop in the ocean to address all the challenges. Therefore, an earnest appeal is made to all Zambians commence throwing plastics in bins and not next to the bins. In looking to the future of plastics pollution management, the success of implementing the 5Rs is the key, which are:
“Zambians needs to be reminded that, the environment is under serious threat due to, in part, plastic pollution. Littering plastics in the environment impacts the health of aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna.
Protection,sustainability, utilisation and management of environment is everyone’s business starting from households, communities, corporates, and country at large”. Ms. Nachilala added.
In summing up, the director reaffirmed WWF Zambia’s availability for partnerships that will enhance environmental protection for the country now and into the future.
Speaking on the same event, Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director- Mr. Sonny Zulu said that, “it is unacceptable and very upsetting to see people throwing wastes in public. It is everyone’s duty to keep the environment clean and green. We should see it wrong throwing plastics on the public”.
In addition, the Director mentioned that, Standard Chartered bank is ready to work with the ministry of Green Economy and Environment and be part of the upcoming Environment commemoration and hoping zero plastic to the environment in future. In his final remarks Mr. Zulu announced ZMW40, 000.00 contributions towards acquisitions of waste bins to the ministry of Green Economy and Environment, so that no one have an excuse to throw plastics anywhere.
Food and Agriculture Organisation representative also announced ZMW42, 000.00 contribution in form of t-shirts and gumboots towards environment commemoration day. Mr. Choma said that, “to keep the environment clean, force strategic action must be established. The theme for this year, “Beat Plastic Pollution” as a great relevance in the area of environment.
Meanwhile, the minister of Green Economy and Environment, expressed heartfelt gratitude to every partners for generous donations. Minister said that, the donations is a clear indication that everyone is working hard towards the protection of environment and communities play a central role in changing attitude towards environmental issues.
The Minister also said, “There is need to avoid the use of papers in working places as the world now is going digital. He gave an example of Standard Chartered Bank as one of the banks which has gone digital and keeping their working surroundings clean. The possibility of finding plastics at Standard Chartered Bank new building is zero percent. It is everyone responsibility to keep the environment clean. The behaviour of throwing plastics anyhow should come to an end because no person will come and take care of our environment”.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing that, there is need for working together and being innovative in order to keep the environment clean.