Lusaka – October 15, 2024 – Greenpeace Africa enthusiastically participated in the 5th Environmental Protection Dialogue (EPD), which took place from October 9 to 11, 2024, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia. This year’s event continued the tradition established in previous years, focusing on the theme “Strengthening Environmental Law for Thriving Communities,” organized by the Centre of Environmental Justice (CEJ) in collaboration with various partners. 

The gathering attracted over 500 delegates from a wide array of sectors, including government ministries, civil society organizations, representatives from the private sector, UN agencies, regional bodies, international organizations, foreign dignitaries, traditional leaders, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, civil leaders, environmental legal experts, activists from across the continent, academia, youth and women’s associations, as well as members of the media.

Environmental Legislation: Beyond the Usual Contenders 

The EPD2024 initiative sought to propel advancements in environmental law adherence and conservation initiatives while encouraging corporate partnerships and nurturing sustainable communities. As a prominent advocate for environmental issues in Africa and beyond, Greenpeace Africa emphasizes that strong environmental legislation is vital for safeguarding our planet and enabling communities to flourish in the face of escalating ecological challenges. 

Throughout the dialogue sessions, participants delved into essential discussions surrounding environmental governance. Key topics included: 

  • Fostering robust corporate alliances for conservation, encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. 
  • Establishing pivotal decisions and recommendations to enhance environmental monitoring, compliance, and enforcement. 
  • Encouraging the development of inclusive and affordable living spaces that promote equity, health, and well-being for vulnerable and marginalized populations. 
  • Enhancing awareness among both state and non-state actors, including the private sector, regarding environmental injustices and their role in decision-making processes related to environmental protection.

Collaborating for Enduring Solutions 

The journey towards sustainable solutions hinges on the collective efforts of all stakeholders present at EPD 2024, as highlighted by Ms. Fadima Cissé, the Director of Communications for Greenpeace Africa.

“Thanks to the foresight and commitment of Ms. Mwape and her team at the Centre for Environment Justice, we are here to engage in vital discussions that challenge us to uncover sustainable strategies for environmental protection and the defense of human rights for communities most affected by the intensifying climate crisis,” stated  Cissé. 

“I must stress the urgent need to confront the ongoing climate crisis, which is inflicting severe damage and suffering across our continent, evident in the form of unprecedented flooding, drought, and famine,” she continued. 

On the other hand, Ms. Maggie Mwape, Executive Director of the CEJ, pointed out the significant obstacles communities face in documenting or identifying violations on the ground. She welcomes Greenpeace Africa as a key partner in integrating its implementation strategy over the next four to five years. “I envision a sustainable partnership between CEJ and Greenpeace Africa to execute this strategy, and together we can plan for the next EPD to attract more participants and delegates at the highest levels,” expressed Maggie Mwape.

Commitment to Action

“As we approach COP29 in Azerbaijan next month, it is crucial for affluent industrialized nations to embrace their moral responsibility. They must commit to creating a climate finance framework that is not only ambitious but also expansive in its reach and impact”, said Cissé  

“This framework must empower African nations to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies that will avert further loss of life and property. The climate crisis is impoverishing our vulnerable communities through the loss of their land, shelter and food”, she continues.


Greenpeace Africa highlighted the urgent need for the summit to rectify the shortcomings of past COPs in tackling Africa’s persistent challenges, which are far from coincidental. The existing global framework imposes significant structural obstacles on our continent, characterized by a development model that prioritizes the interests of multinational corporations at the expense of our communities, which bear the brunt of these detrimental impacts.

Conclusion

As EPD2024 wrapped up, a fresh pledge emerged to bolster environmental regulations throughout African countries. Greenpeace Africa reiterated its unwavering commitment to championing policies that safeguard both the people and the planet, while also seeking justice for communities across the continent. The organization is set to persist in its collaboration with civil society and government partners, ensuring that the promises made during this dialogue evolve into real, impactful actions that uplift communities all over Africa.

“It is time for African leaders, who will be gathered in Baku, to establish a common goal and demand for a shift in the global system. The polluters must be made to pay. Those affluent companies that have reaped eye-watering profits have to bear the costs of the climate crisis. Greenpeace Africa, alongside its allies, will persist in the fight for justice “ concluded Fadima Cissé.

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Contacts:

Raphael Mavambu, Media and Communications, [email protected], Greenpeace Africa.

Greenpeace Africa, [email protected]