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The Zambia Environmental Management Agency
(ZEMA), in collaboration with GRID-Arendal and
the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP), prepared the
Zambia Atlas of Our Changing
Environment
. The main objective of the atlas is to
provide science-based and credible evidence of the
changes that have occurred in Zambia, as well as
their causes, and to communicate the urgency of
addressing them to policy and decision makers and
the public. The specific objectives of the Atlas are to:
1. Identify environmental changes that have
occurred in Zambia and propose appropriate
measures to prevent, manage and/or mitigate
their impacts; and
2. Strengthen Integrated Environmental
Assessment and Reporting processes by linking
the atlas to the Zambia Environment Outlook
(ZEO) 4 report and environmental indicators.
The preparation of the Atlas was conducted through
a participatory approach, which involved relevant
stakeholders such as government departments,
local authorities, the private sector, civil society and
community leaders.
A comprehensive review of information and peer-
reviewed reports was conducted to identify the
salient environmental issues in Zambia. The Atlas
brings to light stories of environmental change
in Zambia through the use of satellite imagery,
photographs and maps. Graphs and charts have also
been used in addition to descriptive text to bring out
the major issues in Zambia. The Atlas contains three
Chapters.
Chapter 1 presents the physical and socio-economic
features of Zambia. The country’s population has
been growing at an annual average rate of 2.8 per
cent. In 2010, the population was about 13 million,
and at current growth rates this may increase to 22.7
million by 2030. Population increase is higher in urban
centres especially in the country’s capital city, Lusaka,
than it is in the rural areas. Historical and heritage
sites such as the Ingombe Illede are also discussed as
part of Zambia’s rich culture. A synopsis of some of
Zambia’s traditional ceremonies is also given.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Chapter 2 describes the environmental changes
that are taking place in various parts of Zambia. The
changes include land degradation particularly in
mining areas, surface and groundwater pollution,
air pollution, deforestation, wildlife depletion, poor
management of solid waste, and loss of biodiversity.
As mining continues to play a pivotal role in the
economic development of the country, growth
of the industry has not only resulted in the rapid
development of urban centres, but also exposed the
landscape to land degradation through open-pits, as
well as forest losses.
Chapter 3 tracks environmental policy performance
in Zambia. The Environmental Management Act No.
12 of 2011 is the principal law on the environment.
Other pieces of legislation that have a bearing on
management of the environment include those
related to town and country planning; forestry;
wildlife; mines and minerals; radiation; and water. A
number of programmes, including the Copperbelt
Environment Programme, Environmental Support
Programme, Environment and Natural Resources
Management and Mainstreaming Programme,
and Integrated Land Use Assessment have also
been implemented to strengthen environmental
management in Zambia. .
The government of Zambia recognises the need to
strengthen the capacities of various stakeholders to
actively participate in environmental management.
As a result knowledge, reflection and action about
the environment have become necessary pre-
conditions for thoughtful processes in dealing with
issues of sustainable development.