adminZIMBABWE is one country which has made great strides in prioritising environmental issues in its development agenda. This has consequently created keen interest among its citizens as people now see the need to take environmental issues seriously. However, there are common questions which people frequently ask about EMA and the environment.
The following are some of the questions:
1. What are Environment Monitors?
Environment monitors are members of the local community who have passion for environmental management and protection. They undertake environmental duties voluntarily in their own areas of residence.
Their duties are:
- They offer their services on voluntary basis.
- They facilitate the prosecution process of environmental offenders by relevant authorities.
- They report environmental issues to traditional leadership, Urban Councils (UCs), Rural District Council (RDCs) and Environment Sub-committees (ESCs).
- Environment monitors create awareness and understanding of local environment issues.
- They mobilise local citizens to fulfil their responsibilities as stewards of the local environment.
- Implement a community watch programme at the local level.
- Lobbies local officials (traditional leaders, councillors) regarding the progress being made toward the objectives and expected outputs of environmental management.
- All environmental issues observed are reported to UCs, RDCs, traditional leaders and EMA.
2.What must school children do if they come across a veld fire?
In the event that primary school children come across fire, children are advised to do the following:
- First quickly report the incident to any nearby adult person.
- Children should not attempt to cross over fire, “crossing over fire may result in fatalities”.
- Children should not try to extinguish a veld fire on their own.
- Children should not try to climb trees in the direction of the veld fire rather they should move away from the veld fire.
3. What are some of the post suppression measures of a fire outbreak?
Every responsible person should make sure that:
- After a fire outbreak an investigation and documentation of the cause of fire and the extent of the damage to the environment, property or loss of life shall be undertaken within a period of seven days from the day of occurrence of that fire.
- An investigation relating to a fire outbreak shall be carried out by:
(a) The land user or landowner in case of a farm or private property;
(b) The designated authority in case of a farm or private property;
(c) The village head in case of a village;
(d) The chief, ward councillor or the chairperson of the environment subcommittee in case of a district;
(e) The Rural District Council chairperson or the chairperson of the Environment Committee in case of a district;
(f) The chairperson of commission or mayor in case of an urban local authority area.
Upon completion of the investigation, the specified person cited above shall report to the nearest Environmental Management Agency office and Zimbabwe Republic Police within a period of seven days stating the date of the fire, cause of fire, extent of the damage measured in terms of hectares, property and injury or loss of life.
4. What are some of the environmental competitions held by EMA?
- Schools debates.
- Schools environmental projects.
- ZPR Best Fire Management Station.
- Environment Management Board land use planning (agricultural colleges).
5. Going Green what is it all about?
Going Green is a popular phrase used to describe the process of changing one’s lifestyle for the safety and benefit of the environment. People who “go green” make decisions about their daily lives while considering what impact the outcome of those decisions may have on global warming, pollution, loss of animal habitats and other environmental concerns.
There are three changes most people make to “go green”. They begin sustainable living, use environmentally friendly (or green) products, and they begin recycling and/or reusing as many products as possible.
6. What is green economy?
A green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities [ENEP 2010]. It is an economy or economic development model based on sustainable development.
In essence, it refers to using various everyday methods to help save the world and its environment. A green economy has developments which meet the three pillars of sustainable development namely, the economic, social and the environmental.
Don’t forget to visit our stand during the Harare Agricultural Show.
We are now in the fire season; please do not start open fires. Report all unattended fires in your area to EMA, Forestry Commission or ZRP.
Please talk to us. We are always ready to listen. Email: [email protected] or call us on 04 310084/705661-2/ Toll free 08080028
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