2025 National Policy on Environment

Overview

The 2025 National Policy on Environment (NPE) provides Zambia’s renewed framework for sustainable environmental management, aligning with the Vision 2030, Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It replaces the 2007 policy, incorporating emerging issues such as climate change, circular economy, e-waste management, and green growthNational_Policy_on_Environment_….

The policy aims to balance environmental protection with economic growth by promoting inclusive, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development across all sectors.

Rationale for Review

The revision was prompted by:

• The need to strengthen governance and decentralize environmental decision-making.
• Increasing climate change impacts, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
• Weak enforcement of environmental laws.
• The emergence of new environmental challenges such as e-waste, plastic pollution, and land degradation.
• The necessity to harmonize environmental funds and attract climate financeNational_Policy_on_Environment_…National_Policy_on_Environment_….

Environmental Challenges Identified

The policy highlights key threats undermining Zambia’s natural capital:

• Unsustainable mining leading to land degradation, sinkholes, air and water pollution.
• Deforestation and forest encroachment due to charcoal production and agricultural expansion.
• Invasive species disrupting local ecosystems.
• Pollution of land and water from industrial activities.
• Weak institutional coordination among environmental agencies like ZEMA, WARMA, and DNPWNational_Policy_on_Environment_….

Policy Vision

A clean, healthy, and productive environment that ensures sustainable development, socio-economic well-being, and climate resilience for present and future generations.

Objectives

1. Strengthen environmental governance and coordination.
2. Promote sustainable management of natural resources.
3. Integrate environmental considerations into all development planning.
4. Enhance community participation in environmental decision-making.
5. Facilitate access to environmental and climate financing mechanisms.

Key Focus Areas

• Climate Change and Green Economy: Promote renewable energy, climate adaptation, and mitigation through the Green Economy and Climate Change Act (2024).
• Circular Economy: Encourage recycling, reuse, and reduction of waste.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection: Conserve forests, wetlands, and wildlife resources.
• Pollution Control: Enforce strict penalties on industrial and hazardous waste discharge.
• Sustainable Urbanisation: Integrate environmental planning in infrastructure development.

Institutional Framework

Implementation involves multi-sectoral coordination under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE). Key stakeholders include:

• ZEMA – Lead agency for environmental management and regulation.
• WARMA – Manages water resources.
• DNPW – Oversees wildlife protection.
• Local Authorities – Handle waste management and development control.
• Civil Society and Faith-Based Organisations – Support community awareness and environmental advocacyNational_Policy_on_Environment_….

Enabling Legislation

The policy is supported by key acts including:

• Green Economy and Climate Change Act No. 18 of 2024
• Forests Act No. 4 of 2015
• Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015
• Mines and Minerals Act No. 11 of 2015
• Public Health Act, Cap 295
• Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 (as amended)National_Policy_on_Environment_….

Financing Mechanisms

Implementation will be funded through:

• Domestic budget allocations
• Climate finance instruments
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
• Green bonds and blended financing
• Private sector partnerships and donor supportNational_Policy_on_Environment_….

Monitoring and Implementation

The Implementation Plan (Annex I, pp. 36–46) sets measurable targets for 2025–2030, including:

• Reduction of deforestation and air pollution levels.
• Increased investment in renewable energy projects.
• Expansion of community-based natural resource management programmes.
• Strengthening of data collection and environmental information systems (IEMS).

Conclusion

The 2025 National Policy on Environment reaffirms Zambia’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient growth. It prioritises the integration of environmental safeguards into all sectors, decentralised governance, and improved access to green financing as the foundation for achieving Vision 2030.

Citation

Republic of Zambia (2025). National Policy on Environment. Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Lusaka.