Sharleen Mohammed
SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Hon. Advocate Jacob Mudenda, recently emphasized the need for robust climate change policies and effective oversight by Parliament to ensure environmental conservation and sustainable tourism development.
Addressing the Induction and Capacity Building Workshop for the Committee on Environment, Climate, and Tourism and the Thematic Committee on Climate Change, Mudenda urged lawmakers to familiarize themselves with climate change legislation and policies.
“The Committee on Environment, Climate, and Tourism has a critical role in overseeing the Ministries of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, as well as the Tourism and Hospitality Industries,” Advocate Mudenda said.
He added: “It is crucial that you fully comprehend the role of Parliament as enshrined in sections 117 and 119 of the Constitution.”
Mudenda highlighted the impact of climate change on food security, health, eco-tourism, infrastructure development, and forced migration. He emphasized the importance of disaster risk reduction and emergency response capabilities to prepare the tourism sector for climate-related disasters.
The Speaker also commended the government’s efforts in climate change response, including the construction of 12 high-impact dams, the National Climate Fund, and the issuance of green bonds for sustainable energy projects.
Mudenda urged the Committees to embrace digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, in climate change action, environmental management, and Disaster Risk Reduction.
The workshop aims to equip lawmakers with the necessary tools to effectively fulfil their constitutional mandate in the area of environment, climate, and tourism.”
