Mposha tips new Green Economy Minister, hands over office

Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Gilbert Siame, says the ministry will build on the achievements and initiatives established by the previous leadership. Dr Siame says the ministry will draw on the experience and expertise of former Minister of Green Economy and…

 Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Gilbert Siame, says the ministry will build on the achievements and initiatives established by the previous leadership.

Dr Siame says the ministry will draw on the experience and expertise of former Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha as it works to advance the Government’s green economy and environmental agenda.

Speaking when Mr Mposha officially handed over the office to him, Dr Siame stressed that the process was important in ensuring continuity in Government and enabling the new leadership to learn from previous experiences in addressing complex environmental matters.

Dr Siame said the ministry should remain a people-centred institution that engages citizens and operates transparently.

He stated that the media has an important role in informing the public about Government programmes and promoting accountability.

“We will continue to draw from the experience and expertise of the previous leadership as we take forward the ministry’s agenda,” he said.

And Mr Mposha urged Dr Siame to build on the ministry’s achievements while maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

He said the ministry is critical to the Government’s Grow Zambia agenda through institutions such as the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), but cautioned that economic development should not compromise environmental protection.

Mr Mposha also urged Dr Siame to strengthen weather information services for farmers, continue efforts to address deforestation through the revision of the Forests Act, and build on Zambia’s carbon credit agreements with international partners.

“We must continue striking a balance between growing the economy and protecting the environment,” Mr Mposha said.

Mr Mposha wished the new minister success and encouraged ministry officials to continue providing strong support to the new leadership.