EnviroLine

Zambia Environmental Management Agency ISSUE 42
ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT AWARENESS AMID COVID-19
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DIRECTOR GENERAL’S COMMENT
Welcome to the 42nd Issue of the ZEMA Enviro-line Newsletter. We hope
you will find the stories in this edition informative and useful.
The aim of this Corporate Newsletter is to share information on a variety
of developments and activities being undertaken by the Agency, as well
as other environmental sector stakeholders, which contribute towards
sound environmental management.
ZEMA wishes to acknowledge the support from its stakeholders and the
public towards sustainable environmental management in the country.
The Agency recognises the support from the Government of the Republic
of Zambia towards environmental management as a critical part of all
development initiatives and activities.
In this issue, we highlight some key aspects of our regulatory framework
and how they relate to overall sustainable environmental management amid the Corona virus (COVID-19)
pandemic.
As we joined the global community in commemorating World Environment Day in a constrained environment
due to covid-19, under theme; Biodiversity-Time for Nature, we highlighted the importance of environmental
sustainability to human health and well-being. From whichever angle we look at it, the opposite remains
true; degradation of the environment – the air we breathe, food we eat, the water we drink, and ecosystems
which sustain us – is estimated to be responsible for at least a quarter of the global total burden of disease.
Global statistics show that new zoonotic diseases (spread from animals to humans) such as COVID-19 are
on the rise mainly due to disturbed environments and biodiversity loss. Climate change, deforestation and
intensified agriculture are among some of the key factors creating environmental conditions for pathogens to
thrive and easily transmit from animals to humans.
As an environmental regulator, it is our considered view that managing
nature with care provides sustainable solutions to some of the emerging disease outbreaks. There is abundant
evidence highlighting catalytic and multiple benefits of investing in environmental quality for reduced
risks to human health and well-being. For instance, a healthy environment (clean air and water, sanitation
and green spaces), among others, is by far associated with a reduced disease burden.
It is against this background that we take this opportunity to stand with the global community in highlighting
the importance of conserving biodiversity. The COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity for reflection and
action against environmental degradation, as environmental sustainability and health are two sides of the
same coin.
In our commitment to providing leadership in environmental management, and as a response to doing
business in a ‘New Normal’ brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have embarked on an ambitious
programme to automate our interaction with the public.
In this regard, we have developed a Continuous Environmental Monitoring System (CEMS) which will among
other things, provide functionality to store both spatial and non-spatial data, and an online application of
environmental permits and submission of statutory returns. This, we believe, will result in service excellence,
operational efficiency, reduce our environmental footprint and ultimately, improve environmental management
in Zambia.
John Msimuko
DIRECTOR GENERAL
Enviroline |Page 2

Dear Readers
EDITORIAL MESSAGE
ZEMA is delighted to bring to you our 42nd edition of the ‘ZEMA Enviro-line’. As you may have
noticed, the newsletter is only available electronically. This is a deliberate measure to take a lead in
sustainable environmental management through embracing electronic platforms. We hope that this
move will inspire stakeholders and the general public to take this environmentally friendly route for
some services and do away with printing.
In this edition, we have endeavored to cover all key aspects of our regulatory framework ranging
from environmental assessments (Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental
Assessment); pollution prevention and control including the control of Ozone Depleting Substances;
hazardous and industrial waste management; chemicals management; natural resources and
awareness raising activities, as enshrined in the Environmental Management Act (EMA) No. 12 of
2011.
In the ‘Personality of the Edition’, we feature Patrick Shawa, National Coordinator of the Wildlife and
Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia (WECSZ), sharing his journey from a young boy to
his current position and highlighting the importance of young people’s involvement in environmental
conservation. Mr. Shawa also emphasizes the importance of partnerships to achieve environmental
sustainability.
As always, we appreciate your feedback. Be assured of our acknowledgement of your feedback
which has over the years shaped the way we package this newsletter. Lastly, but not the least, we
thank you for your readership and wish you fruitful implementation of various activities supporting
environmental sustainability amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Irene Lungu Chipili: Editor-in-Chief
Friday Phiri: Editor
Ruth B. Witola
Victor Kanguya: Design & Graphics
CONTRIBUTORS
Rodwell Chandipo
Chrispine Simwanza
Constantino Mwembela
Christopher Kanema
Corner Church & Suez Road
Ridgeway, Lusaka
info@zema.org.zm
www.zema.org.zm
SCAN ME
Tel.: +260-211-254130
254023

CONTENTS
Message from the Director General
Editors Comment
Manja Pamodzi Initiative: A Zambian Success Story of
EPR
ZEMA stops issuance of Solid Waste Management
Licences
Sustainable Low Emission Transport Study for
Zambia Released
ZEMA leads Zambia’s preparation of the Third National
Communication (TNC) to the UNFCCC
Public Participation: Cornerstone of Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) process
Understanding Forest Fire Management Dynamics
I am generation equality: Celebrating Women’s role in
environmental sustainability
Personality of the edition- Case of Patrick Shawa, Wildlife
and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia
(WECSZ) Coordinator
Health Corner: Health and Environment—Two sides of
the same coin
ZEMA—Supporting fight against Covid-19 through
various measure
COVID -19 Message
Enviroline |Page 4

EPR CORNER
MANJA PAMODZI INITIATIVE: A ZAMBIAN SUCCCESS
STORY OF EPR
By Friday Phiri
The Regulations ban the use, manufacture, trading,
retail, importation and commercial distribution
of plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags that
are below 30 microns in thickness. Other packaging
materials and products regulated are; Cartons,
Non-returnable Plastic Bottles, Non-returnable Glass
Bottles, Beverage Cans, Waste Oils and Lubricant
Containers, Used Lead Acid Batteries, Pesticides and
Chemical Containers, Expired Chemicals, Used Tyres
and Near end of life or end of life Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (e-waste).
Faced with increasing amounts of waste, many governments
including the Government of the Republic
of Zambia, have reviewed available policy options
and concluded that placing the responsibility on producers
for the post-consumer phase of certain goods
could be an option.
Extended Producer Responsibility
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy
approach under which producers are given a significant
responsibility – financial and/or physical for the
treatment or disposal of post-consumer products. Assigning
such responsibility could in principle provide
incentives to prevent waste at the source, promote
product design for the environment and support the
achievement of public recycling and materials management
goals.
Spotlight on the EPR Regulations Statutory
Instrument No. 65 of 2018
For Zambia, the Regulations require a person or persons
whose activities generate waste with potential
to pollute the environment to employ measures essential
to minimise waste through treatment, reclamation,
re-use, recovery or recycling.
By building in the full cost of the product life-cycle
into products, the EPR includes the following social,
economic and environmental benefits:
I. Social benefits: it helps tackle litter in our com
munities and across the landscapes we enjoy.
II.
Environmental benefits: the reduction of waste
in our environment improves the health of
our people, animals and nature’s services; and
III. Economic benefits: reduced waste manage
ment and environmental clean-up costs.
In creased economic and livelihoods activities
through the trade, reuse and recycling of
materials as well as the development of new,
biodegradable or longer lasting products.
Manja Pamodzi Initiative
Manja Pamodzi (MP) is a recycling post-consumer
waste incentivisation initiative aimed at creating
Enviroline |Page 5

a clean environment whilst improving livelihoods for
communities. It is implemented by Zambian Breweries
and remains an example of a good response to
EPR.
The initiative was officially launched in August 2015,
co-funded by Zambian Breweries and the Millennium
Challenge Account Zambia (MCAZ), supported by
the Lusaka City Council and the Zambia Environmental
Management Agency (ZEMA).
2018, has given impetus to the recycling industry,
thereby supporting its exponential growth.
“EPR has given a leverage to recycling initiatives and
also made it lucrative in that the banned plastics are
both non-biodegradable as well as not recyclable
and so the law is promoting the recycling industry as
a whole,” notes Mr. Simwanza.
Manja Pamodzi EPR PHOTO FOCUS
“It started in 2015 and was initially co-funded between
Zambian Breweries and the Millennium Challenge
Account (MCAZ) to the tune of US$ 1, 890
with the objective of incentivising the collection of
waste as a way of cleaning communities and creating
awareness around good waste management
practices whilst also ensuring the poor earn income,”
says Misheck Simwanza, Project Coordinator of the
MP Initiative.
The initiative has since grown into 11 districts of
Lusaka, with an over 836 network of collectors,
gathering over 11,400 tons of recyclable waste, cumulatively.
Due to this growth, MP has since been
transformed into a company called Manja Pamodzi
Foundation Limited.
According to Mr. Simwanza, the enactment of the
EPR Regulations Statutory Instrument No. 65 of
Enviroline |Page 6

This far, MP is hailed as a successful model that has supported:
• mindset change, cleaning the environment and creating opportunities for self-employment and liveli
hood improvement;
• awareness on good waste management practices, recycling and separation of waste through
various communication platforms and project presence;
• data collection and dissemination of quantities of recyclable waste in the community and landfill for
various stakeholders;
• training and provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to over 500 landfill collectors in
Lusaka, in collaboration with ZEMA and industry; and
• introduction of smart technology for seamless recycling data capturing and transaction.
From Waste to Wealth: The Case of Harrison Musonda
While the MP Initiative has empowered and continue to support the lives of hundreds
of waste collectors and aggregators, the story of Harrison Musonda stands out. Mr.
Musonda’s story epitomizes the saying; from ‘rugs to riches.’ In his case, it is from
‘waste to wealth.’
From a humble background, once a scavenger, Mr. Musonda is now a director of a recycling
company, Recyclemania situated at the Chunga disposal site with 20 workers.
“I grew up in difficult circumstances. As a young boy, I was a bin scavenger. I was
scavenging for food to survive. But I never lost sight of what I wanted, I kept focus
and determined to work hard and make it in life. Here I am now employing people
who are even more educated than I am,” Mr. Musonda proudly says.
When the MP initiative was muted, Mr. Musonda was already a waste collector and was thus identified and
recruited as one of the pioneers in the MP initiative. He recounts how he met two recycling companies in
2010 which were interested in recyclable materials, and when he found out that the material was reused
to manufacture new products, he got motivated and engaged in the recycling business on a full-time
basis.
“In 2014, when Zambian Breweries engaged a company to do a feasibility study at Chunga Landfill and
other areas in Lusaka, I was picked and did the feasibility study at Chunga, Kanyama, Town Centre and
Chawama. Later, the company came back as consultants and engaged me with a view of opening a project.
We worked together and launched Manja Pamodzi. By this time, I was already buying and selling
plastic waste in bulk,” he explains.
Engagement with MP brought a new lease of life to Mr. Musonda. To meet the demand for recyclable
waste from manufacturers connected to the MP initiative, Mr. Musonda engaged other waste collectors,
consequently changing his role from collector to aggregator, involved in buying waste in bulk from collectors
for onward sale to companies.
“Demand for recyclable waste grew and I realised that I could engage others. We decided to form the
Recyclers Association of Zambia (RAZ) in 2014 with the aim of protecting waste pickers and waste aggregators
because they were being exploited by some foreign firms,” says Mr. Musonda.
The MP initiative has not only shown that there is money in recycling but has also proved that EPR is the
solution to a sustainable management of waste and the environment.
Mr. Musonda’s story, from harsh and humble beginnings, is worth telling a million times.
“It wasn’t my parents’ fault that I was a scavenger. Being a scavenger was a tough situation but I was
doing it for survival. I am happy that through my business, I have built them a house. God blessed me
with a car and now I can take my children to a good school. I thank God that I am now an inspiration
to others, especially in terms of showcasing that there is money in waste,” concludes the RAZ president.
Enviroline |Page 7

ZEMA AND ZICTA COLLABORATE ON E-WASTE
By Friday Phiri
ZEMA Director of Operations, Gift Sikaundi (left), ZEMA Corporate Affairs Manager, Iren L. Chipili (Middle) and
TCH E-Waste CEO, Towa Chilongo (Right) addressing journalists at the TCH-Waste Facility
Amidst fast-paced technological advancements globally,
consumption of electrical and electronic equipment
is undoubtedly on the rise. However, when
such equipment enters a used and end-of-life state,
they become Electronic Waste (e-Waste).
According to the Global E-waste Monitor, the world
discards approximately 50 million tonnes of e-waste
per year, and only 20% is formally recycled. It is for
this reason that e-waste is globally recognised as a
challenge requiring attention.
E-waste contains toxic materials harmful to human
health and the environment. Inappropriate management
of this waste stream which is hazardous remains
a challenge in Zambia.
To address this, the Zambia Environmental Management
Agency (ZEMA and Zambia Information and
Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) are
promoting effective eco-friendly e-waste management
and disposal practices in the country.
The two regulatory Agencies signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) in 2016 to enhance sensiti-
Enviroline |Page 8
zation and enforcement efforts on e-waste.
As part of this collaboration, ZICTA and ZEMA on
11th June, 2020 witnessed the collection of e-waste
from Lafarge Zambia Plc, by TCH E-Waste Limited,
one of the licensed e-waste facilities in Zambia. An
estimated 15 tonnes of e-waste was collected for
purposes of recycling as well as export for onward
processing.
ZEMA Manager, Corporate Affairs, Irene
Lungu Chipili:
“In line with the provisions of the Environmental
Management Act (EMA) No.12 of 2011 and subsidiary
legislation, ZEMA regulates hazardous waste
which includes e-waste.
When e-waste is disposed of at non-hazardous landfills,
their toxic materials seep into groundwater, affecting
both land and aquatic life. And when it is
burnt, resultant toxic chemicals are released, polluting
the air and presenting a high risk to human
health and the environment. For these reasons, safe
disposal of e-waste is important.

The Agency takes this opportunity to appeal to individuals
and corporate bodies in Zambia to utilise
licensed waste collectors for e-waste and other hazardous
waste streams. This is key to managing various
e-waste and safeguarding our environment and
human health”.
“The growing volumes of end-of-life (EOL) and near
end-of-life of ICT equipment around the globe is becoming
a matter of concern because ICT equipment
is characterised by high demand and a relatively short
life-span. Failure to close the loop on e-waste such
as computers and other ICT equipment could lead to
significant adverse environmental impact. Therefore,
recognising the rapidly emerging and serious threat
posed by e-Waste, it is essential that we collaborate
and manage e-Waste,” said ZICTA Manager for Corporate
Communications, Ngabo Nankonde.
According to the ZICTA 2018 National ICT Survey,
48.9 percent of all the households across the country
had disposed of some electronic or electrical
items which were damaged or no longer useful to
the households. The Survey also indicated that mobile
phones represented the highest volume of disposed
electronic waste at 34.8%, followed by radio
at 17.4% and television at 10.1%.
When it comes to how people disposed of this waste,
20.2% of individuals put away electrical or electronic
waste, 14.3% of individuals gave away their devices
while individuals who either threw away their e-waste
in a landfill or in a trash accounted for 11.4% and
6.3% respectively.
At both individual and institutional levels, the call is
to join the fight against e-waste as an emerging
environmental challenge. E-waste management is
everyone’s responsibility.
Enviroline |Page 9

LEGAL CORNER
ZEMA STOPS ISSUANCE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
LICENCES
By Friday Phiri
Environmental Management (Extended Producer Responsibility)
Regulations, Statutory Instrument No.
65 of 2018.
However, the enactment of the Solid Waste Management
and Regulation Act No. 20 of 2018 (“the Solid
Waste Management Act”), has moved the responsibility
of issuance of waste management licences
from ZEMA to the Ministry responsible for regulating
Solid Waste.
Bundles of plastic waste ready for recycling
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency
(ZEMA) is mandated by the Environmental Management
Act (EMA) Number 12 of 2011 to ensure the
sustainable management of natural resources and
protection of the environment, and the prevention
and control of pollution.
“Following the enactment of the Solid Waste Management
Act, this responsibility has since moved
from ZEMA to the Ministry responsible for regulating
Solid Waste,” says Irene Lungu Chipili, ZEMA Corporate
Affairs Manager. “In this case, the Ministry of Local
Government is now responsible for issuing licences
to persons providing solid waste services. This
transition has since been effected. ZEMA takes this
opportunity to inform industry and stakeholders that
it has stopped the issuance of Waste Management
Licences. All applicants are advised of this change.”
In its mandate, ZEMA covers the following thematic
areas, namely; environmental assessments (Environmental
Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental
Assessment); water pollution control;
air pollution control including the control of Ozone
Depleting Substances; noise and land pollution control;
waste management (hazardous and industrial
waste); chemicals management; natural resources
and awareness raising.
To regulate these areas, ZEMA draws its legal mandate
from the EMA and its three subsidiary legislation
namely; the Environmental Protection and Pollution
Control (Environmental Impact Assessment)
Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 28 of 1997;
the Environmental Management (Licensing) Regulations,
Statutory Instrument No. 112 of 2013; and the
The Solid Waste Management and Regulation Act
No. 20 of 2018 (“the Solid Waste Management Act”)
therefore, mandates the Ministry of Local Government
to issue waste management licences to persons
to; (a) reclaim, re-use, recover or recycle waste; (b)
collect and dispose of waste from industrial, commercial,
domestic or community activities; (c) trans-
Enviroline |Page 10

port waste to a disposal site; (d) own, construct or
operate a waste disposal site or other facility for the
permanent disposal or storage of waste; or (e) transit,
trade in or export waste.
However, despite this change, ZEMA retains the
responsibility to issue hazardous waste licences to
persons to; (a) generate, pre-treat or treat hazardous
waste; (b) handle, transport or store hazardous
waste; (c) dispose of hazardous waste; or (d) transit,
trade in or export hazardous waste.
“This change should therefore not confuse stakeholders
and the public regarding the regulation of
Hazardous Waste and other environmental permits
as stipulated by Law,” advises Mrs. Chipili. “Please
note that ZEMA still regulates and issues licences for
Hazardous Waste and all other environmental permits
stipulated by the EMA and its subsidiary legislation.”
ZEMA ORDERS ORIENTAL STEEL MANUFACTURING
LIMITED AND HY INVESTMENTS LIMITED TO CEASE
OPERATIONS
By Friday Phiri
Pursuant to the provisions of the Environmental
Management Act No. 12 of 2011, the Zambia Environmental
Management Agency (ZEMA) on 2nd
June, 2020, ordered Oriental Steel Manufacturing
Limited and HY Investments Limited of Lusaka to
cease operations on this date.
ZEMA took the opportunity to remind industries to
comply fully with the Environmental Management
Act (EMA) No. 12 of 2011 and its subsidiary legislation.
The two firms were ordered to immediately cease
the manufacture of Plastic Carrier Bags and Flat Bags
below 30 microns, contrary to the requirements of
the Environmental Management (Extended Producer
Responsibility) Regulations, Statutory Instrument
No. 65 of 2018 (“EPR Regulations”), which activities
were taking place at Plot No. 13980, Chinika Industrial
area, Mumbwa Road, Lusaka and Plot No.
12130, respectively. The manufactured bags were
non-complaint to the Zambian Standard ZS 719 on
Plastic Carrier and Flat Bags.
Inspectorate Team explaining EPR Regulations on plastics
carrier bags and flat bags to the Manager at Oriental
Steel Manufacturing Company in Lusaka.
Principal Inspector-Waste - Perine Kasonde and Operations
Manager-South David Kapindula on site serving
cessation orders to EPR Non compliant firms
The Agency also ordered a stop to any other activity
related to the manufacture of Plastic Carrier and Flat
Bags at both companies.
Tobias Kanyanga serves an order for cessation of operations
at HY Investments for abrogating EPR Regulations.
Enviroline |Page 11

About EPR
The EPR Regulations require a person or persons
whose activities generate waste with potential to
pollute the environment to employ measures essential
to minimise waste through treatment, reclamation,
re-use or recycling among other things.
The EPR Regulations have, among others, banned
nuisance plastics as well as the manufacture, trade
and commercial distribution of packaging material
that does not conform to Standard ZS 719 on Plastic
Carrier Bags and Flat Bags on the thickness of plastic
carrier bags and flat bags.
The ban applies to plastic carrier bags and flat bags
with a thickness of 30 microns and below.
Other materials and products regulated under the
EPR Regulations include; Cartons, Non-returnable
Glass and Plastic Bottles, Beverage Cans, Waste Oils
and Lubricant Containers, Used Lead Acid Batteries,
Pesticides and Chemical Containers and Expired
Chemicals, Used tyres, near end of life or end of life
Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Enviroline |Page 12

Pollution
CORNER
A PEEP INTO THE SUSTAINBLE LOW EMISSION TRANS-
PORT STUDY FOR ZAMBIA
By Friday Phiri & Chrispine Simwanza
of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, of which
73% is from road transport vehicles.
To address some of the highlighted challenges from
the transport sector, the Global Fuel Economy Initiative
(GFEI), was set up to help stabilize GHG emissions
from Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) fleet through a
50% increase in vehicle fuel efficiency by 2050.
Economic growth comes with the need for mobility.
Nowhere is this fact more evident than in emerging
economies where the combination of an expanding
middle class and cheaper secondhand motor vehicle
imports are now accessible to a wider population.
According to a recent study by the Zambia Environmental
Management Agency (ZEMA) and stakeholders
on Sustainable Low Emission Transport (SLET),
the number of first-time vehicle registrations in Zambia
expanded the total registered fleet from 277, 870
in 2008 to 737,671 in 2017.
This increase has a corresponding effect on demand
for fuel products, thus putting pressure on national
financial reserves; increased demand for road and
other transport infrastructure; increased Greenhouse
Gas (GHG) emissions; increased emissions of other
dangerous gases and particulate matter which are
harmful to health such as sulphur dioxide and carbon
soot and increased disease burden on the national
health system due to poor air quality.
Globally, it is well established that the transport sector
contributes 22% of the 30gigatones per annum
The GFEI thus works with countries to establish vehicle
inventory baselines and trends and to assess
their policy options to incentivize cleaner vehicles
and deter the import or manufacture of less efficient
vehicles. As one of the key partners in the GFEI,
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
partnered with ZEMA to help Zambia launch its fuel
economy work and gain control of emissions from its
road transport fleet.
The SLET report therefore consolidates the findings
of the work by ZEMA and adds an in-depth analysis
of the national motor vehicle database, especially
the trends driving growth of the LDV fleet.
SUMMARY FINDINGS
Motor Vehicle Database and Emissions
• Current database of motor vehicles in Zambia
does not record eco-data (ecological data related
to emissions, such us carbon dioxide per
distance travelled (g/km) or quantity of fuel
consumed per distance travelled (l/100km).
This data is necessary for sustainability related
assessments
• From current stock of 751, 208 motor vehicles
on file, it was found that 449, 780 (60%
of full dataset) both fitted the light duty vehicle
(LDV) class definition (3,500kg or less)
Enviroline |Page 13

had complete and correct records for further
analysis.
Legal, Institutional and Cultural
• There is no systematic deregistration of decommissioned
vehicles (although provision
and requirement for deregistration exists);
• Importation of newer vehicles is only indirectly
promoted by dis-incentivization of the
alternative through a one-off flat tax, called
the Motor Vehicle Surtax (MVS) added to the
import duty on vehicles older than 5 years.
The report found this measure to be ineffective;
• There is an annual charge for emissions,
called the Carbon Emissions Surcharge (CES),
applied in a staggered manner according to
engine displacement on all vehicles. This was
however found to be irrelevant to the purchase
decision but there is room for consolidation
to make it effective;
• A mandatory standard exists regulating emission
levels from motor vehicle exhaust pipes.
However, data to operationalize it, is not collected
to be recorded in the motor vehicle
database;
• Electric Vehicles (EVs) are well incentivized in
the import duty rules (customs duty discount
50%, excise duty discount 100%). However,
uptake of EVs is still negligible at less than
0.00002% of the fleet. This low uptake is
attributed to lack of battery charging infrastructure
on the high street; and
• Zambia is well positioned to leapfrog to an EV
industry if strategically incentivized.
Fuel Quality
• There are three mandatory standards controlling
fuel quality (Sulphur and other factors).
However, the levels prescribed are too
weak when compared to other African countries;
• There is no indication of continuous improvement
or stretch targeting in fuel standards;
• The only oil refinery produces fuel compliant
to the mandatory quality standards. However,
the refinery’s production is outstripped
by demand by a factor of 1.4mt/0.6mt, i.e.,
the refinery produces around 0.6 metric
tonnes annually against a national demand
of around 1.4 metric tonnes. The shortfall
is imported from neighbouring East African
countries and South Africa. In both of these
import sources, the fuel quality is higher than
Zambian standards.
Fuel Economy and Carbon Emissions
• Current specific fuel consumption is
8.6l/100km. Carbon dioxide emissions are
217.6g/km;
• The trend of fuel economy is influenced
greatly by the age of the fleet. The fleet is
old but the mean age of new additions is also
old at 12.5 years for vehicles newly imported
into the country;
• Under the Business As Usual (BAU) Scenario,
by 2050, Zambia’s fuel economy will have
worsened by 53% on consumption and 63%
on carbon dioxide emissions.
These increases will translate to over 4,200%
increase in both fuel demand (oil imports) and
carbon dioxide gas discharged to air and impacts
of the projected increases on foreign currency
reserves, air quality and health, particularly the
respiratory diseases, may be uncontainable.
Policy Recommendations
• A total of 23 individual policy recommendations
have been made, clustered under six
thematic areas and these are;
i. Structural/Legislative;
ii. Fiscal;
iii. Infrastructural;
iv. Technological;
v. Market-based incentives; and
vi. Informational.
• These measures are expected to lay the
groundwork for further action which would
help to reverse the observed trend.
• It has been observed that regulation of emissions
from motor vehicles in Zambia comes
under the partial purview of too many agencies,
a situation that leads to delayed action
and sometimes, inaction. As such, the report
proposes a consolidation of the regulatory
space with clear accountability.
Enviroline |Page 14

ZEMA LEADS ZAMBIA’S PREPARATION OF THE THIRD NA-
TIONAL COMMUNICATION TO THE UNFCCC, AS THE COUN-
TRY GETS GCF FUNDING FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE
By Friday Phiri
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) was adopted at the Rio
Earth Summit in 1992. Zambia ratified the Convention
on 28th May, 1993 before it entered into force
on 21st March, 1994.
The UNFCCC sets an overall framework for intergovernmental
efforts to tackle the challenge posed by
climate change. Accordingly, all Parties are required
to report on steps they are taking or envisage to
undertake to implement the UNFCCC.
The reporting is on among other issues; emissions
by sources and removals by sinks of all Greenhouse
Gases (GHGs) not controlled by the Montreal Protocol
(GHG inventories), national or, where appropriate,
regional programmes containing measures
to mitigate, and to facilitate adequate adaptation to
climate change, and any other information that the
Party considers relevant to the achievement of the
objective of the Convention.
Zambia submitted its first and second National Communication
to the UNFCCC in 2004 and 2014, respectively.
Through a broad-based consultative process,
the country is in the process of finalizing the
Third National Communication (TNC).
Natural Resources (MLNR) is the focal point for UN-
FCCC, and is also tasked with preparing the National
Communications in Zambia. The Ministry has however
delegated this duty to the Agency,” says Zambia
Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) Director
General, John Msimuko.
Just like at global level where the frequency and intensity
of extreme weather events have become a
common feature, threatening the achievement of
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Zambia is
equally at the receiving end of climate change induced
hazards which include extreme temperatures,
droughts and dry spells, seasonal and flash floods,
among others.
These hazards adversely impact food and water security,
water quality, energy and general livelihoods
of the people especially rural communities whose
livelihoods are largely dependent on rain-fed agriculture
and other natural resource sensitive sectors.
And this is an issue that UNFCCC Focal Point for
Zambia, Ephraim Mwepya Shitima emphasises:
Zambia’s UNFCCC Focal Point and Director of the Climate
Change and Natural Resources Management Department,
Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources,
Ephraim Mwepya Shitima speaking during a TNC stakeholder
meeting.
ZEMA Director General, John Msimuko, speaking during
a TNC stakeholder meeting.
“I wish to state that in accordance with the National
Policy on Climate Change, the Ministry of Lands and
Enviroline |Page 16
“As highlighted, this is a key undertaking to fulfil the
country’s obligations under the Convention,” says
Mr. Shitima, who is also Director in the Department
of Climate Change and Natural Resources Management.
“It is therefore important that we submit accurate
information to ensure that we correctly reflect

the country’s climate change realities and efforts
being undertaken to mitigate and adapt to adverse
impacts.”
Among the key features and milestones covered in
the TNC is the establishment of a GHG Inventory
System at ZEMA, which has enhanced the country’s
capacity to accurately report on national GHG inventories.
With regards to adaptation, the report highlights the
establishment of the National Designated Authority
(NDA) which has facilitated effective country programming
on resource mobilization from the Green
Climate Fund (GCF). The GCF is an established financial
mechanism under the Convention to support
countries’ financial capacity needs under climate
change actions.
It is worth noting that these efforts have resulted
in funding for the Strengthening Climate Resilience
of Agriculture Livelihoods in Agro-ecological Zones
1 and 2 of Zambia Project, to enhance the adaptive
capacities of vulnerable farmers and rural communities.
7th National Development Plan,” notes Mr. Ndashe
Yumba, Permanent Secretary, MLNR.
Commenting on the grant, ZEMA Corporate Affairs
Manager, Irene Lungu Chipili said the Agency was
elated with the news.
“This is a timely intervention at a critical time when
all eyes are on the COVID-19 pandemic, which has
unfortunately disrupted and continues to negatively
affect vulnerable communities, businesses and all
known forms of economic livelihood.”
Thus, according to Annel Phiri, ZEMA Technical Advisor
to the Director General and Climate Change Expert,
Zambia’s TNC reflects this reality.
“Based on the information submitted and work done,
we are confident that the final report will present
a true reflection of the country’s efforts on climate
action,” says Mr. Phiri.
And to further support the country’s climate resilience,
the GCF has granted Zambia 2.1 million US
Dollars for the development of a National Adaptation
Plan (NAP).
Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Permanent
Secretary, Ndashe Yumba.
“The NAP will facilitate the development of prioritized
adaptation actions with financing strategies. This will
enable Zambia to systematically advance the implementation
of priority adaptation actions, contributing
to the implementation of its Nationally Determined
Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement and
the achievement of climate change goals under the
Enviroline |Page 17

Environmental
Impact Analysis
Environmental
Planning
EIA CORNER
Environmental
Auditing
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: CORNERSTONE OF ENVIRON-
MENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) PROCESS
By Friday Phiri & Constantino Mwembela
A section of the Kazungula Bridge project which commenced after conducting an EIA. Picture
Courtesy of Kazungula Project
It is without question that the traditional concept
of development has for a long time been guided by
economic considerations—exploitation of resources
for maximum benefits without much regard to the
environment.
But not anymore. The world has embraced a Sustainable
Development (SD) model which emphasises
on exploitation of resources to meet the needs of today’s
generation without compromising those of the
future. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
is therefore based on this premise.
Enviroline |Page 18
EIA at a glance
EIA is a systematic investigation of conditions within
the environment of the proposed development or
project followed by an assessment of the impacts
that the development or project will have on the environment
in its totality, i.e. physical, biological and
socio-economic aspects. It is about ensuring that
any kind of development that takes place is people
centred and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
It is conducted prior to project commencement. This
could be a new or expansion to an existing project.

It therefore provides decision makers with information
on the expected effects (positive or negative)
of the projects. EIA strives to answer the following
basic questions: What will happen if the project is
implemented? How much change is going to occur?
Do the changes matter? What should be done about
the changes? How can the decision-makers be informed
about the effects?
There are three core values. These are; Integrity—
stressing that the process should be fair, objective,
unbiased and balanced; Utility—emphasising the
need to provide balanced and credible information
for decision making; and Sustainability—highlighting
the need for the process to result in environmental
safeguards.
Generally, for an EIA process to be effective and
considered credible, it must be open and involve all
Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs) i.e. local communities,
government authorities, developers, investors,
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) etc.; focus
on major positive and negative impacts of the project
to facilitate decision making based on a range
of alternative courses of action and must create effective
co-ordination and communication avenues
amongst stakeholders.
Role of the Public
There are several players in the EIA process which
include; project proponents, investors, government
ministries and departments (lead agencies), the private
sector, local communities, CSOs, politicians, traditional
leaders and institutions, the general public
and consultants.
While they constitute secondary stakeholders, the
public is considered key in the EIA process. The public
provide information about the local environment,
community goals and aspirations in relation to the
proposed development, contributing to the social,
cultural and economic evaluation of the project and
assisting in decision-making as well as the project
management process.
The public plays a key role in highlighting the likely
salient but significant environmental effects of a
project that would otherwise be grossed over by the
developers. Thus, public participation is clearly identified
as a key step in the EIA legal framework, without
which the process is considered flawed.
In seeking the views of the community in accordance
with the EIA Regulations, the developer is mandated
to publicise the intended project, its effects and benefits,
in the mass media, in a language understood
by the community, for a period not less than 15 days
and subsequently at regular intervals throughout the
process; and after the expiration of the period of 15
days, hold meetings with the affected communities
to present information on the project and to obtain
the views of those consulted.
It is therefore important for the general public to
take interest and submit comments whenever projects
are advertised, and in the general EIA process,
to ensure transparency and accountability for sustainable
development.
Scores of residents of Lumwana during a Public Hearing in Kalumbila District of North-Western
Province
Enviroline |Page 19

NATURAL
RESOURCES
CORNER
UNDERSTANDING FOREST FIRE MANAGEMENT DYNAMICS
By Friday Phiri & Rodwell Chandipo
Trees are a vital component in the ecosystem—they
not only give oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil
and give life and habitat to the world’s wildlife, but
also provide materials for tools, shelter and ultimately,
food for both animals and human beings.
In fact, according to the World Bank statistics, some
1.3 billion people around the world depend on forests
for their livelihood—that is 20% of the global
population. This includes income from the sale of
trees and tree-related products. It also includes the
value of fruit, fodder, medicines, and other direct or
indirect products that they consume.
It is however important to note that ecosystems are
subject to a range of natural and human-induced
disturbances. Such disturbances result in ecosystem
changes affecting the flow of ecosystem services.
Natural direct drivers of ecosystem changes include
natural climate variability and weather patterns,
wildfires, diseases and pests.
Intact forest in Chitambo
Human-induced drivers of ecosystem changes include
land-use and land-cover change resulting from
deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources,
rangeland degradation due to overgrazing,
overharvesting of resources such as wildlife poaching
and overfishing. Fire is one of the driving factors
for many ecological processes, shaping ecosystems
and landscape composition with major impacts on
the carbon cycle.
Wildfires have both positive and negative impacts on
ecological processes. Vegetation types like the grasslands,
savanna and miombo woodlands depend on
fire for optimal ecological function. Thus, fire suppression
in these vegetation types has major consequences
for biodiversity.
A raging wildfire along Tuta Road in Chitambo
Enviroline |Page 20
It is worth noting that on one hand, early fires,
sometimes referred to as early burning, are a management
tool used to reduce fuel loads to prevent
catastrophic late fires while improving wildlife habitat
through browse and forage quality and quantity
as well as aesthetic values by creating open spaces.
Like many other communities, the local people of

Serenje and Chitambo districts of Central Province
use fire for bush clearing, charcoal production, hunting,
weed and disease control, caterpillar breeding,
honey collection and pasture regeneration. The timing
of burning is linked to particular livelihood activities.
People use fire early in the dry season to create
fire breaks to protect property and crop fields.
The majority of the people in Serenje burn the bush
in the late dry season on the Chief’s order to encourage
caterpillar breeding. They start burning the
bush in the second week of September. Caterpillar
species are consumed in Zambia and are a highly
valued source of income. The people also use fire
during the month of October to clear and fertilize
Chitemene fields and to reduce diseases, pests and
weeds infestation.
calls for improved linkages and coordination between
relevant institutions regarding natural resource management,
afforestation, woodland regeneration and
agroforestry as conservation strategies aimed at increasing
carbon stocks in degraded sites.
“As an Agency, we are concerned with the alarming
deforestation rates,” says ZEMA Corporate Affairs
Manager, Irene Lungu Chipili. “But we are actively
engaged in community awareness and regeneration
programmes with stakeholders to address this challenge.
For example, we are currently implementing
the Promoting Climate-Resilient, Community-Based
Regeneration of Indigenous Forests in Zambia’s Central
Province project in partnership with the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP).”
The project aims to increase the rate of forest regeneration
and promote climate-resilient adaptation
practices among forest-dependent communities in
Zambia’s Central Province.
Understory eliminated following a fire
A Chitemene field
Charcoal Burning in Serenje
Zambia is dominated by vast tracks of fire prone
vegetation which includes savannas and grasslands.
Based on data from 2007 to 2012, wildfire was estimated
to burn over 18.8 million hectares of land
each year (approximately 25% of Zambia’s land
area). The majority of fires occurred in the Miombo
woodlands and were anthropogenic in nature resulting
from hunting, forest management, clearing areas
for land cultivation and building, improving grazing
lands and to facilitate collection of Non-Timber Forest
Products (NTFP) such as Caterpillars.
Therefore, addressing the problem of forest fires
Enviroline |Page 21

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2020: RETHINKING
BIODIVERSITY
By Friday Phiri
A further economic perspective reveals that millions
of people around the world depend on forests for
their food security and livelihoods. Forests are estimated
to provide more than 86 million green jobs.
According to the United Nations, of those living in
extreme poverty, over 90 percent are dependent on
forests for wild food, firewood or part of their livelihoods.
Chimpanzees at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust
receive their meal for the day.
Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is the scientific
term for the variety of life on Earth. It refers not just
to species but also to ecosystems and differences in
genes within a single species.
Biodiversity is the foundation that supports all life on
earth. It affects every aspect of human health, providing
clean air and water, nutritious foods, scientific
understanding and medicine sources, natural disease
resistance, and climate change mitigation. Changing
or removing one element of this interlinked web affects
the entire life system and can produce negative
consequences.
Biodiversity is at the basis of all civilisation and sustain
our economies. In other words, ecosystem services
are referred to as ‘natural capital.’ For instance,
each year, marine plants are estimated to produce
more than a half of our atmosphere’s oxygen, and
a mature tree cleans our air, absorbing 22 kilos of
carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen in exchange.
On the economic front, the World Economic Forum
(WEF) 2020 report Nature Risk Rising: Why the Crisis
Engulfing Nature Matters for Business and the
Economy, shows that 44 trillion dollars of economic
value generation – more than half of the world’s total
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – is moderately
or highly dependent on nature and its services and
is therefore exposed to nature loss. Together, the
three largest sectors that are highly dependent on
nature generate close to 8 trillion dollars of Gross
Value Added (GVA): construction (4 trillion dollars);
agriculture (2.5 trillion dollars); and food and beverages
(1.4 trillion dollars).
However, despite all the noted benefits that nature
gives us, we still mistreat it. Biodiversity loss is a concern
that is both urgent and existential. According to
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
a number of events from bushfires in Brazil, the United
States, and Australia to locust infestations across
East Africa – and now, a global disease pandemic;
COVID-19 – demonstrate the interdependence of
humans and the webs of life, in which they exist.
Human actions, including deforestation, encroachment
on wildlife habitats, intensified agriculture, and
acceleration of climate change, have pushed nature
beyond its limit. Scientists warn that if we continue
on this path, biodiversity loss will have severe implications
for humanity, including the collapse of food
and health systems.
Available information reveals that although the
world’s 7.6 billion people represent only 0.01% of all
living things by weight, humanity has already caused
the loss of 83% of all wild mammals and half of all
plants. And the rate of extinction is estimated to be
tens to hundreds of times higher than the average
over the past 10 million years.
For example, a recently released UN report notes
the alarming rates of biodiversity loss in the world’s
forests amid frightening rates of deforestation and
degradation globally.
A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the
UNEP highlights that some 420 million hectares of
forest have been lost through conversion to other
land uses since 1990.
Forests are estimated to harbour most of the earth’s
terrestrial biodiversity. The report shows that forests
contain 60,000 different tree species, 80 percent of
amphibian species, 75 percent of bird species, and
68 percent of the earth’s mammal species.
Enviroline |Page 22

“Deforestation and forest degradation continue to
take place at alarming rates, which contributes significantly
to the ongoing loss of biodiversity,” FAO
Director-General, QU Dongyu, and UNEP Executive
Director, Inger Andersen, said in the foreword.
COVID-19 – demonstrate the interdependence of
humans and the webs of life, in which they exist.
Human actions, including deforestation, encroachment
on wildlife habitats, intensified agriculture, and
acceleration of climate change, have pushed nature
beyond its limit. Scientists warn that if we continue
on this path, biodiversity loss will have severe implications
for humanity, including the collapse of food
and health systems.
It is for this reason that this year’s World Environment
Day (WED)—5th June, was commemorated
under the theme “Biodiversity-Time for Nature”. The
theme draw attention to our actions on the environment
and their effects on our livelihoods.
Locally, the Zambia Environmental Management
Agency (ZEMA), in conjunction with stakeholders
undertook a number of activities to mark the day.
Available information reveals that although the
world’s 7.6 billion people represent only 0.01% of all
living things by weight, humanity has already caused
the loss of 83% of all wild mammals and half of all
plants. And the rate of extinction is estimated to be
tens to hundreds of times higher than the average
over the past 10 million years.
For example, a recently released UN report notes
the alarming rates of biodiversity loss in the world’s
forests amid frightening rates of deforestation and
degradation globally.
A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the
UNEP highlights that some 420 million hectares of
forest have been lost through conversion to other
land uses since 1990.
Forests are estimated to harbour most of the earth’s
terrestrial biodiversity. The report shows that forests
contain 60,000 different tree species, 80 percent of
amphibian species, 75 percent of bird species, and
68 percent of the earth’s mammal species.
“Deforestation and forest degradation continue to
take place at alarming rates, which contributes significantly
to the ongoing loss of biodiversity,” FAO
Director-General, QU Dongyu, and UNEP Executive
Director, Inger Andersen, said in the foreword.
Some environmentalists believe that the emergence
of COVID-19 has underscored the fact that, when
we destroy biodiversity, we destroy the system that
supports human life. Currently, it is estimated that,
globally, about one billion cases of illness and millions
of deaths occur annually from diseases caused
by coronaviruses; and about 75% of all emerging
infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, meaning
that they are transmitted to people by animals.
Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental
Protection - Dr Dennis Wanchinga giving a keynote
address during World Environment Day Commemorations
Due to a constrained environment presented by the
COVID-19 pandemic, most activities were restricted
to public awareness through mass media (Radio, TV,
Social Media), related to the theme, highlighting the
importance of sustainable environment management
to human health.
Officiating at an event restricted to a small number
of stakeholders, Minister of Water Development,
Sanitation and Environmental Protection Dr. Dennis
Wachinga highlighted the need to use the 2020
World Environment Day to crtitically examine “our
relationship with nature and environmentally related
disease epidemics.”
“Organisms that cause diseases such as fungi, bacteria
and viruses such as the Coronavirus are life forms
with their own population dynamics and require environmental
space and the means for sustaining
their species. What we are calling a pandemic, is for
those organisms, a population boom,” he explained.
And speaking at the same occasion, WWF Zambia
Country Director, Nachilala Nkombo noted the importance
of rethinking the impact of human activities on
the environment and future generations.
“If nature is in a crisis, then we are in a crisis. The
needs of human beings cannot be fully met if the
rest of the environment is out of balance,” Ms Nkombo
said.
Enviroline |Page 23

And UN Resident Coordinator Coumba Mar Gadio
observed that the global coronavirus pandemic was
a clear message of the interdependent relationship
between humans and nature.
“For us, we have always emphasized the importance
of environmental sustainability, and how it
is linked to our health and wellbeing,” said Irene
Lungu Chipili, ZEMA Corporate Affairs Manager.
“It is very clear that human-induced environmental
changes resulting from deforestation,
agricultural intensity, poorly managed wildlife,
and climate change are some of the key factors
reducing biodiversity, thereby favouring environmental
conditions for transmission of diseases.
Therefore, our message is an appeal that investing
in environmental sustainability is an insurance
policy for our good health.”
Nature is sending us a message that something
is wrong. It is up to us to listen, reflect and act
accordingly.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia Country
Director - Nachilala Nkombo giving her remarks during
World Environment Day Commemorations
“While Covid-19 like SARs and HIV has come from
nature, it is our actions that enlarged it. Our insatiable
demand for space and resources has caused
habitat destruction and over-exploitation of biodiversity
which is linked to the rise of infectious diseases
and its epidemics. We are rapidly losing our natural
capital. Unsustainable and illegal consumption of our
natural resources such as forests, wildlife and fish
have contributed to unprecedented biodiversity loss
and pose a threat to nature’s ability to provide goods
and services, “ Ms Gadio said.
UN Resident Coordinator - Coumba Mar Gadio deliverig
her remarks during World Environment Day commemorations
Enviroline |Page 24

I AM GENERATION EQUALITY: ZEMA CELEBRATES
WOMEN’S ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
By Irene Lungu Chipili
Women play a critical role in managing natural resources
at family and community levels.
In communities around the world, women manage
water sources, fuel, food, as well as both forests and
agriculture terrain. They are however, affected by
environmental degradation in a special way. Gender
inequality is one of the persistent risks to sustainable
development, as it adversely affects access to, and
the use of natural resources such as water and land.
“Therefore, on this important day…I ask you all to
reflect on the achievements of our women and how
we can make our numbers count by utilising the special
characteristics that women add to our work of
protecting natural resources and the environment.”
During this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD),
ZEMA women used the occasion to raise awareness
on the importance of protecting the environment
and in particular, improving waste management
practices.
And Director General, John Msimuko paid a glowing
tribute to women’s role in sustainable environmental
management.
Enviroline |Page 25

SAFER PRACTICES WHEN USING HAND SANITIZERS AND
DISINFECTANTS TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID19
By Christopher Kanema and Friday Phiri
PESTICIDES AND
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
CORNER
Environmental sustainability is considered as a key
ingredient for human health and wellbeing. And the
opposite is true; the degradation of the environment
– the air we breathe, food we eat, the water we
drink, and ecosystems which sustain us – is estimated
to be responsible for at least a quarter of the
global total burden of disease.
Interestingly, to keep certain aspects of the environment
safe and support human health, various chemicals
are used for different purposes ranging from
cleaning teeth, dishes, floor and other surfaces to
crop protection among others. Whereas usage of
chemicals for various purposes is normal and acceptable,
it is important to note their side effects on our
health and the environment if used incorrectly. Most
chemicals are naturally toxic and can gradually accumulate,
sediment, and be transported long distances
unknowingly, and negatively affect water and food.
Amid the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic,
hand sanitizers and disinfectants are an essential
component in reducing the spread of the deadly virus.
However, inappropriate use which may be associated
with lack of proper labeling in terms of active
ingredients and their respective hazard statements,
may cause harm to human health and the environment.
Therefore, this article provides critical information on
correct labelling of hand sanitizers and disinfectants
in order to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
It also spells out the role of the Zambia Environmental
Management Agency (ZEMA) in regulating such
products and provides advice to the general public
on safer practices.
What are sanitizers and disinfectants?
Sanitization is the control of physical factors in the
Enviroline |Page 26
human environment that could harm development,
health, or survival. Thus, sanitizers and disinfectants
are products used to control infectious germs on surfaces.
Hand sanitizers for instance can reduce germs
by 99.99% on surfaces, a level considered safe for
public health. On the other hand, disinfectants can
destroy almost all infectious germs, when used correctly
as labeled.
For these products to control germs, they contain
chemicals such as Sodium hypochlorite, Hydrogen
Peroxide, Ethanol (Ethyl alcohol), Sodium Chlorite
and Isopropanol (Isopropyl alcohol) among other active
ingredients. Some of these chemicals are flammable,
corrosive, toxic, and irritable to eyes, skin
and respiratory system. If incorrectly used, these
products may be harmful to both human health and
environment.
The Role of ZEMA in regulating Sanitizers
and Disinfectants
The Environmental Management Act (EMA) No. 12
of 2011 under Section 66 provides for the mandate
of ZEMA regarding chemicals management. In terms
of Section 65 (1) “a person who intends to manufacture,
import, export, store, distribute, transport,
blend, process, re-process or change the composition
of a pesticide or toxic substance or who intends
to reprocess an existing pesticide or toxic substance
for a significantly new use, shall apply to the Agency
for a licence”.
Regulation 35 of the Licensing Regulations Statutory
Instrument No. 112 of 2013 provides that a person
shall not deal in a pesticide or toxic substance in a
container or package without a label or a container
or package that has a label which is not approved by
the Agency. Regulation 35 (2) provides that a person
shall apply for approval of a label for a pesticide in

Form X set out in the First Schedule.
Label Elements
The following information identifying the contents of
the container should appear on the label:
i. Trade Name/Brand Name: This is the name
given by the manufacturer which identifies a
product with the company that manufactured
it;
ii.
Signal Word: The signal word indicates
hazard level. It is a safety sign header for
a chemical. For instance, “Danger” is used for
the most severe instances, while “Warning”
is less severe;
iii.
inquiries due to children ingesting hand
sanitizers. Therefore, ensure that sanitizers
and disinfectants are stored in tightly closed
containers and away from reach of children;
The use of appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, may be
needed especially when using disinfectants.
Refer to the product label or Safety Data
Sheet to see if specific protective measures
are recommended. Always pay attention to
whether the product is supposed to be
sprayed into the air (which makes it easier to
inhale) or placed on cloths (which can cause
skin exposure), and product concentration
that could determine whether it should be
diluted; and
iii.
iv.
Hazard Statements: These are phrases that
describe the nature of hazardous products
and the degree of hazard. E.g. highly
flammable liquid or gas causes serious eye
irritation, toxic to aquatic life etc.;
Precautionary Statements: These include
statements such as the common keep out of
reach of children, keep away from flames and
store in a tightly closed container;
v. Hazard symbols or pictograms: These are
used to identify hazardous products and are
commonly grouped by chemical/physical risk,
health risk and environmental risk;
iv.
Buy hand sanitizers from approved
manufacturers and distributors, with
correct labels
One of the health behaviours that is currently being
encouraged to stop the spread of the COVID-19 is
hand hygiene. Within the practices of hand hygiene,
the use of hand sanitisers is acknowledged as an
equally effective alternative to soap and water. However,
due care must be taken to ensure children’s
safety.
Parents are advised to administer hand sanitiser in
child’s hand or supervise children while they are using
a hand sanitising product; as well as ensuring
that hand sanitisers are stored out of reach of children.
vi.
vii.
Flammble
Toxic to aquatic life
Manufacturer and distributors information
identifies the manufacturers’ and distributors’
company name, address and telephone
number; and
Manufacturers date, expiry date & batch
number. Please note that the
manufacturers date, expiry date and Batch
number can also be printed directly on the
container.
As ZEMA, we take this opportunity to implore the
public to be on guard against counterfeit products.
Always remember that protecting our environment
and securing our future is our collective responsibility.
Safer Practices
i. All manufacturers and distributors are
required to comply with the EMA in general
and SI No. 112 of 2013 on labeling
requirements;
ii.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some
poison centers have reported an increase in
Enviroline |Page 27

PERSONALITY OF THE EDITION
PATRICK SHAWA, WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF ZAMBIA (WECSZ) COORDINATOR
By Friday Phiri
“Environmental Conservation belongs to young people, let’s nurture them for the task
now and the future; I am a living example”— WECSZ Coordinator, Patrick Shawa
According to the United
Nations, sustainable development
is defined as
advancement that meets
the needs of the present
without compromising the
ability of future generations
to meet their own
needs. It calls for concerted
efforts towards building
an inclusive, sustainable
and resilient future for people and planet.
For sustainable development to be achieved, it relies
on the harmonization of three core elements:
economic growth, social inclusion and environmental
protection. These elements are interconnected and
important for the well-being of individuals and societies.
It is almost global consensus, with few divergent
views, that environmental protection is the foundation
of the three pillars, without which, the other two
would not stand. Experts who hold this view stress
that economic growth and social inclusion are results
of a well-managed environment.
Further scrutiny of the sustainable development definition
(needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations), reveals a salient
but key feature of the equation—role of children.
In this issue, our ‘Personality of the edition’, profiles
Patrick Shawa, an Environmentalist whose journey
in environmental conservation started in his primary
school days, as a member of the Chongololo club
of the Air; one of the oldest programmes on ZNBC
Radio 2. It airs every week on Sunday at 12:30hrs
designed to support environmental education. It explores
a number of habitats and listeners learn more
about nature and the environment through the adventures
of Mr. Chongololo (millipede), Black Lechwe
and Chipembele (Rhino) as the main characters.
Below is an extract from the interview…
Enviroline |Page 28
1. Briefly tell us about yourself and
how you found yourself in this sector
which is not usually considered a fashionable
career?
I describe myself as a self-motivated team player
who is loyal and willing to learn. I consider myself as
an Environmentalist whose passion for environmental
protection was activated in my early years as a
child. As a young person, I had this burning desire
to protect what cannot protect itself, and this aspiration
pushed me into the environment with a primary
focus to maintaining the health of the natural world,
its fisheries, habitats and biological diversity.
It all started when I was at primary school in the early
1980s, when I decided to join the Chongololo Club of
the Air (CCOA). Since then, I have not looked back. I
worked hard and learnt from those who were leading
the movement at that time. Through determination
and my unwavering passion for environmental conservation,
I rose through the ranks to where I am
now as National Coordinator of the WECSZ.
2. How has your work with the WECSZ
helped you as an individual to contribute
to the environmental sector?
WECSZ has given me an opportunity to provide practical
guidance on environmental and wildlife conservation.
The journey has not always been rosy but
passion supports one’s perseverance to keep going.
In my own small way, I believe I have contributed
to the country’s environmental and wildlife conservation
agenda at both policy and implementation
levels. Through this journey, I have interacted with
different professionals and fellow environmentalists
both locally and globally, and the experience has
been so enriching.
3. Over the years that you have worked
in the sector, what would you say has
been Zambia’s biggest challenge in terms
of environmental conservation, and what
role did you/have you personally played/
playing to solve it?

I would say that as a country, we are very good at
policy formulation but we mostly struggle at implementation
level. My desire is to see policy implementation
being taken to a high level. We have what
it takes to develop while protecting our natural resources.
All we need is to work towards one goal.
Working in isolation especially in the environmental
sector does not help because there are no known
boundaries when it comes to the environment—one
thing is connected to another.
4. Climate change has emerged as the
greatest development challenge at all
levels. In your view, do you think it has
overshadowed other equally important
areas that need attention in terms of environmental
conservation? If so, highlight
some of the issues which you feel are being
neglected?
There is no doubt that climate change is the greatest
environmental threat of our time. It has a direct
threat to the achievement of Sustainable Development
Goal (SDG) on ending hunger and achieving
food security, and several other SDGs considering
that environment is the foundation for development.
I wouldn’t point to a particular issue being neglected.
All we need to do as a country is to pull our
resources together and work as team towards environmental
protection.
The challenge that Zambia faces in protecting her
biodiversity is far from an insufficiency of policy direction.
The country has seen a surge of sound environmental
policies the past decade and yet it keeps
losing natural resources at an alarming rate. Reason
is simple - information is not shared with the grassroots.
Secondly, indigenous knowledge is not yet fully utilized
in the development process of managing our
natural resources. Indigenous knowledge systems
are at risk of becoming extinct because of rapidly
changing natural environments and fast paced economic,
political, and cultural changes on a global
scale. It is worth noting that we have a lot of indigenous
knowledge systems that are still useful and
need to be preserved for the next generation’s survival.
5. Could you share with us some of the
projects/programmes that you are implementing
to tackle the identified issues?
And how involved is the country’s overall
environmental regulator, the Zambia Environmental
Management Agency (ZEMA)
in all these activities?
Well, we are consistently involved in the production
of the Chongololo Club of the Air radio programme
for environmental education especially for young
people. In the recent past however, we are involved
in various programmes and projects on environmental
conservation, either directly implemented by ourselves
and/or our partners. For example, we have
been implementing a Conservation and Forest Management
project in the Mafinga Hills, aimed at conserving
Afromontane biodiversity while improving
the welfare of local people. Through support from
the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), we
have been training local communities on how to raise
nurseries which are later planted along degraded riparian
zones of the Luangwa river headwaters.
As an environmental action group, WECSZ seeks
to work with communities in all areas around the
country. However, this cannot be done without the
involvement of the country’s overall environmental
regulator—the Zambia Environmental Management
Agency (ZEMA). As WECSZ, we have a very good
working relationship with ZEMA both at consultative
as well as at implementation levels to ensure our
efforts are not at variance with the law regarding
natural resources usage and protection.
6. What is your general message with
regards to environmental management in
Zambia?
Environmental conservation belongs to children, let’s
nurture them for the task now and the future; I am
a living example. Just as others did to me, I am also
mentoring some young people and my desire is to
see them succeed and carry the mantle of environmental
and wildlife conservation as I have done and
continue to do. My plea is that every institution especially
those connected to environmental conservation
should take a deliberate approach to nurture
young people in everything they do, otherwise, the
concept of sustainable development would be meaningless
without children.
And to policy makers, my desire is to see environmental
management systems and frameworks that
give chance to everyone regardless of status, to take
part in, as opposed to waiting for government alone.
A simple message to the young people being mentored
for environmental protection is a principle I
have lived by over the years that, “It costs nothing
to be humble!”
Enviroline |Page 29

HEALTH
CORNER
HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT: TWO SIDES OF THE
SAME COIN
By Friday Phiri & Irene Lungu Chipili
It is generally agreed that investing in environmental
sustainability serves as an insurance policy for health
and human well-being.
And the opposite is true; the degradation of the environment
– the air we breathe, food we eat, the
water we drink, and ecosystems which sustain us –
is, according to the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP), estimated to be responsible for at
least a quarter of the global total burden of disease.
According to a 2016 report by UNEP entitled Healthy
Environment, Healthy People, environmental degradation
is estimated to cause 174-234 times as many
premature deaths as occur in conflicts annually.
Evidence exists, however, of the catalytic and multiple
benefits of investing in environmental quality in
terms of development, poverty reduction, resource
security, reduced inequities and reduced risks to human
health and well-being.
A healthy environment (clean air and water, sanitation
and green spaces), among others, is not only
associated with a reduced disease burden but also
lowers levels of stress and reduced symptomology
for depression and anxiety.
Zika, Ebola, MERS, SARS and other new zoonotic diseases
(spread from animals to humans) such as the
current Corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic,
are believed to be on the rise mainly due to disturbed
environments and biodiversity loss.
It is against this background that an integrated approach
is promoted for improving human health and
well-being through increased engagement by the
health sector in ecosystem management and decision-making.
According to UNEP, zoonotic diseases comprise 60%
of all infectious diseases in humans and 75% of all
emerging infectious diseases.
Enviroline |Page 30

ZEMA: SUPPORTING THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19
THROUGH VARIOUS MEASURES
For public health, here is a reminder of some prescribed
preventive measures:
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and
water or use an alcohol-based hand rub
(hand sanitizer);
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or
flu-like symptoms;
In line with government’s guidelines for COVID-19
prevention, ZEMA has put in place operational measures
to comply with health procedures as stipulated
in Statutory Instrument No. 21 and 22 of 2020.
Some of the measures include encouraging clients
and members of the public in general to use online
platforms for accessing services offered by the Agency.
• Cook meat, eggs and other animal products
thoroughly before eating;
• Cover your nose and mouth with flexed
elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing
and throw tissue in a bin;
• Wear a mask whenever in public; and
• Stay at home.
In a further move to safeguard employee health
and the public, the Agency launched the screening
(checking temperature based on the Ministry of
Health guidelines) for all entrants to its premises.
Enviroline |Page 31

SOME FACTS ON COVID-19
Enviroline |Page 32