THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY !! (NPE Draft, May 2005)

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D. The Role of Civil Society

Whilst it is axiomatic that the Central Government and local authorities, non-governmental organisations, traditional rulers and chiefs, and the private sector have a major responsibility in implementing the National Policy on Environment, there is an over-arching responsibility for the general public and civil society. In the quest for sustainable socioeconomic development much should hinge upon national awareness and collective attitude towards environmental problems and their solution.

An appreciation of the role of civil society in helping maintain a healthy environment in Zambia is generally lacking. This is clearly evident in the deterioration of many national parks, the incidence of uncontrolled bush fires, loss of biodiversity especially vulnerable and valuable species, littering in towns and pollution of water sources and degradation of river catchments by deforestation. Public awareness campaigns and information, education and communication strategies can be used to good effect to raise the public conscience and create a better understanding of the environmental situation. Despite this optimistic scenario it is clear that there should always be people who should disregard their responsibilities and to deal with this the controlling legislation with attendant mechanisms for accountability, should have to be in place and the regulatory bodies should need to move into action.