The Anti-Corruption Commission of Zambia (ACC) has called for integrity and transparency in climate action and environmental protection.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS during the 97th Lusaka Province Agriculture and Commercial Show in Chongwe, ACC Senior Public Education officer Naomi Banda stated that corruption remains one of the factors that contribute towards environmental degradation in local communities.
Ms. Banda said corruption in climate action if not combated weakens the ability of citizens and systems at various levels to become resilient to climate change.
She urged local communities to report any cases of environmental degradation being perpetrated by any individual and query those in public offices on how such activities are allowed to take place.
“If people in local communities come across anyone polluting the environment in any way, they need to find out how such activities are being allowed and if they suspect any form of corruption as to who allowed it,we urge community members to report such cases to relevant authorities or use our toll free line to report the matter to the commission,” Ms. Banda said.
Ms. Banda reiterated ACC’s commitment towards fighting any form of corruption in climate action to enable citizens in the country to adapt to climate without any challenges resulting from corrupt activities.
She indicated that the commission will continue educating the public, especially those in rural communities, on the importance of integrity and transparency in climate action to enable them to easily identify any illegalities that negatively impact on the environment within their respective communities.
Ms. Banda called on stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to lobby for the formulation of environmental policies anchored on transparency and integrity adding that they will go a long way in protecting the environment.
She added that such policies will also protect vulnerable communities from exploitation by individuals who intend to undertake activities that have the potential to destroy the environment.
“We need environmental policies that promote integrity and transparency in climate action.Policies which will go a long way in protecting our vulnerable communities from activities that damage the environment,” Ms. Banda said.
She further urged all stakeholders, especially those in rural areas, to partner with ACC to promote integrity and transparency in climate action activities.
