Companies urged to embrace green economy

A green economy is one that is sensitive to the carrying capacity of the environment.
Environment and Natural Resources Management Minister Francis Nhema told a seminar held ahead of Africa Environment Day commemorations that greening operations called for commitment from different stakeholders.
“The centrality of industry, mining and agriculture in turning around the fortunes of the country is beyond debate hence has contributed significantly towards environmental degradation and deterioration,” he said.
“If we all green our operations we will achieve a sustainable economy which generations to come will enjoy.”
Minister Nhema said the task was easier said than done hence the call for bold and painful decisions.
“We all have genuine concerns that may compel us to remain in our present operating circumstances but that cannot be allowed any further,” he said, adding there was need to devise survival strategies knowing that there were limits in exploiting natural resources.
He said the Government would not allow today’s benefits to blinker it to a point of forgetting future generations.
“We will use all strategies at our disposal to ensure that all users of environmental goods and services are complying with national statutory requirements with best international practices,” said the Minister.
Meanwhile, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) board chairman Professor Sheunesu Mupepereki said any land development required an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) first.
He said the board would continue monitoring industrial activities to ensure compliance with environmental rules and regulations.
“We want to ensure waste from production does not flow into dams and rivers and the surrounding ecosystem,” he said.
Africa Environment Day, which was designated in 2002, is commemorated on 3 March in many African countries.
The day seeks to raise awareness of the pressing environmental challenges facing the continent and this year’s theme is: “Greening the economy — Play your part”. — New Ziana.