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The Catholic Bishops of Zambia will this month host a high-profile meeting that will assess and highlight the impact of large-scale mining and agriculture on the environment. The meeting set for the 25 to 26 April will be attended by Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. 

The two-days conference will among other things seek to popularise and create awareness on “Laudato Sì,” the encyclical of Pope Francis on the care of the earth. The announcement was made Thursday by the ZEC Secretary General, Fr. Cleophas Lungu in a statement released to Vatican Radio by the communications officer, Mwenya Mukuka.  

The ZEC Secretary General said Cardinal Turkson will deliver a keynote speech at the conference. 

Zambia is reeling from the effects of climate change manifested in reduced rainfall and unpredictable weather patterns that have resulted in crop failure and water shortages. The country’s major hydroelectric project at Kariba dam is not only facing serious structural challenges but has also seen a significant drop in the reservoir’s water levels due to drought.

The state’s power utility company, ZESCO has been rationing electricity throughout the country. The massive load-shedding by ZESCO has led to the cutting down of more trees for charcoal production thus compounding global warming.

According to Zambia’s Bishop of Mongu Diocese, Evans Chinyemba, the Western province, in particular, is under siege from all manner of indiscriminate logging and timber traders.
 
The ZEC Secretary General, Fr. Lungu is equally worried about the cutting down of trees in the country.

“Zambia has fertile arable land which is very attractive to agriculture. We have seen people cutting a lot of trees for large scare farming which has had an effect on the environment. This scenario must be addressed and we want to help bring about behaviour change,” Fr. Lungu noted.     

The effects of large-scale mining, especially of Copper, will also be considered at the conference. 

 “We are excited as a Church to host this conference. As you know, Zambia’s economy is driven largely by the mining sector, and so we want to make awareness of its impact on the environment.” He added, “We shall collaborate with others during the conference on what we should do together to care for the environment” Fr. Lungu said.

Several delegations from the continent of Africa have also been invited to attended the Lusaka meeting. 

(Fr. Paul Samasumo, VR)
Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va

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