Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu has called on the global community to come together and take advantage of the opportunities presented by Stcokholm +50 summit to reflect on the urgent need to institute corrective measures and ensure a Healthy Planet and Prosperity for all.
Mr Nzovu said this is because a healthy planet is key for human progress and prosperity and this recognition is well documented and highlighted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He said that there has been an increase in environmental challenges and inequalities globally that are affecting development and well-being of mankind on planet earth.
Mr Nzovu said the Minister was speaking when he made an intervention during the High-Level Leadership Dialogue entitled “Reflecting on the urgent need for actions to achieve a Healthy Planet and Prosperity for all” at the sidelines of the on-going Stockholm +50 International summit in Sweden.
He explained that in order to address the environmental challenges and inequalities, there is an urgent need for humans to transform their relationship with nature.
“It is a well-known fact that human activities have contributed significantly to these challenges and disturbed the normal functioning of our ecosystems thereby limiting the provision of goods and services thus exacerbating challenges for humanity,” he said.
The Minister of Green Economy and Environment has also made recommended actions to be implemented going forward to ensure a “Healthy Planet and Prosperity for all”.
Mr Nzovu said member states, including Zambia must protect and restore ecosystems by halting deforestation and forest degradation, biodiversity loss and other unsustainable environmental practices.
He also said that there is need for humans to re-align their development pathways by prioritizing low carbon investments which will ultimately create green jobs and reduce poverty and developmental inequalities.
