Topic - Balancing Economic Interests with Environmental and Social Responsibility
Background
The management of tailings is a critical issue in Zambia’s mining industry, with significant implications for the environment, local communities, and the economy. This panel discussion will bring together stakeholders to explore the trade-offs between economic benefits, environmental costs, and social impacts of tailings management. The discussion will examine the challenges of balancing economic interests with environmental and social responsibility and identify strategies for promoting sustainable tailings management that minimize harm to the environment and local communities.
The panel will feature experts from industry, government, civil society, and academia, who will discuss the economic benefits of tailings management, the environmental and social costs, and the regulatory frameworks that govern the industry. Key topics to be discussed include the role of technology and innovation in reducing environmental and social impacts, the importance of community engagement and participation in decision-making, and the need for transparency and accountability in tailings management.
Key Questions:
- How can the economic benefits of tailings management be balanced with environmental and social costs?
- What are the most effective strategies for minimizing harm to the environment and local communities?
- What regulatory frameworks and policies are needed to promote sustainable tailings management?
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment
Website: https://www.mgee.gov.zm/
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment is the Zambian government institution responsible for spearheading environmental policy, climate action, green economy planning, and sustainable development efforts nationwide. It develops regulations, strategies, and frameworks aimed at balancing economic growth with environmental protection and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. The ministry coordinates with other sectors to integrate environmental sustainability into national development planning, conservation, resource management, and climate resilience. Its goal is to guide Zambia toward a greener, more sustainable path while protecting ecosystems and supporting long-term prosperity.
Care for Nature Zambia
Care for Nature Zambia is a civil-society organisation dedicated to environmental conservation, community-based natural resource management, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. It works directly with local communities to foster stewardship of forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems, encouraging practices that protect biodiversity and natural habitats. The organisation engages in environmental education, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders to raise awareness of conservation needs, climate change impacts, and sustainable resource use. Through its work, Care for Nature Zambia aims to empower communities to conserve their environment while improving their socio-economic well-being.
Futurepreneur Zambia
Website: https://fpszzambia.com/
Futurepreneur Zambia is a youth-focused organisation that supports entrepreneurship, business development, and empowerment of young Zambians. It offers training, mentorship, and resources to help young people launch and grow small businesses, encouraging innovation, self-reliance, and economic participation. By nurturing entrepreneurship among youth, Futurepreneur Zambia aims to reduce unemployment, build livelihoods, and contribute to national economic development. The organisation advocates for youth-friendly economic policies and seeks to foster a generation of young entrepreneurs driving sustainable growth in Zambia.
Economic Association of Zambia
Website: https://eaz.org.zm/
The Economic Association of Zambia is a professional and academic association that brings together economists, policy analysts, researchers, and stakeholders interested in Zambia’s economic development. It promotes research, discussion, and analysis on economic policies, development strategies, macroeconomic trends, and public finance. The association serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, policy debate, and dissemination of economic research to inform decision-making and national policy formulation. Through its work, the Economic Association of Zambia contributes to evidence-based policymaking and a deeper understanding of Zambia’s economic challenges and opportunities.
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
Website: https://www.uneca.org/
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a regional UN body tasked with promoting economic and social development across Africa through policy research, technical cooperation, and capacity building. It supports African governments, including Zambia’s, in designing and implementing policies for sustainable development, regional integration, economic growth, and poverty reduction. UNECA conducts research, provides advisory services, and fosters collaboration among African nations to address development challenges, trade, infrastructure, governance, and social inclusion. Its work aims to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation and ensure equitable development across the continent.
Moderator: Centre for Environment Justice
Website: https://cejzambia.org/
Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) is an outstanding institution with its own unique identity and a proud distinct history in Zambia. CEJ is a non-governmental organization established in 2010 whose mandate is to create platforms and processes that promote environmental justice for most vulnerable people in society. Anchored on this mandate, CEJ fosters access to quality and accurate information on environmental protection, extractive industries, sustainable energy, climate change, water security and agriculture with the ultimate aim of enhancing accountability for better decision making and sustainable development as well as a support safe and adaptive environment as basic fundamental human rights to having a better and prosperous livelihood.
