Finland stakes K37m project funds
Published On May 19, 2015 » 2003 Views» By Administrator Times » HOME SLIDE SHOW, SHOWCASE
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By DELPHINE ZULU –

THE Finnish Government has given Zambia more than K37 million (Euros 4.6 million) towards the implementation of sound environmental management projects.
The four- year project under phase two will include the implementation of a grant fund mechanism for civil society organisations active in environment and natural resources management, capacity building, advocacy and policy dialogue.
Lands Ministry acting Permanent Secretary (PS) Peggy Chirwa, who officially launched the Civil Society Environment Fund (CSEF), yesterday commended the Finnish government for the support rendered to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in environment and natural resource management in Zambia.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank the government of Finland through their embassy in Zambia for providing financial and technical support to our Government through environment and natural resources sector for over 40 years now,” she said.
Ms Chirwa said there is need to put in place interventions that limit environmental degradation and explore options for decentralisation in natural resource management.
She said Government is ready to provide necessary support to ensure that all citizens participate fully in recognising the stakeholders’ efforts in protecting ecosystems.
“Government is cognisant of the vital role CSOs play in management of natural resources, creating awareness and capacity building at community level on issues of sustainable natural resources management, they must be assured that their efforts are not in vain,” Ms Chirwa said.
The acting PS said the launch of the phase two came at an opportune time when Government was in the process of decentralising the management of natural resources to local communities, to ensure full participation by all concerned parties.
She said the projects and programmes to be initiated and implemented will consolidate already achieved results within sustainable natural resources management and enhance mechanisms for better resources planning and utilisation.
Ms Chirwa appealed to CSOs representatives to formulate tangible and bankable projects that would benefit the communities.
She urged them to focus on development and implementation of programmes that would continue to attain environmental sustainability, poverty reduction and attainment of development strategies that Government had put in place.

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