Zambia is a party to more than 20 MEAs. As the effective implementation of these Agreements depends on the creation of an enabling environment at all levels, local communities involvement in environmental and natural resource management, and their capacity to understand the basics of the MEAs and why they are important is a key component to implementation.
In this context, Zambia simplified five and translated two MEAs, which were deemed to be among the highest priority for Zambia’s current situation. The five MEAs were selected at a national consultative meeting, and they are:
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD);
- Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification Particularly in Africa (UNCCD);
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES);
- Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar); and
- Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
The conventions have been summarised in plain English, and the UNCCD and CBD were translated into two local vernacular languages, Tonga (for the Southern Province) and Lozi (for the Western Province).
Dissemination workshops for the CBD and UNCCD have been held in Western and Southern Provinces of Zambia on a pilot basis. The two provinces were chosen because of their high rates of biodiversity loss and persistent drought. During the workshops, presentations reviewed the MEAs and the importance of implementing and enforcing them at the national and local levels. Materials distributed included booklets in plain English and brochures in vernacular languages. Participants included government officials of line ministries, NGOs, private sector, political leaders, traditional leaders, and members of the local communities.
For more information, contact Mr. Ignatius Makumba at inmakumba@yahoo.com