Chronicle EditorThe Environmental Management Agency (EMA) through its parent ministry has seen it best to call for an “All stakeholders solid waste management conference/indaba and expo”. This is a platform for bringing stakeholders together to commit their environmental responsibilities in managing waste.
The conference will be held under the theme “Zero Tolerance To Litter – Everyone’s Responsibility”.
The conference, which will be held from October 12 to 13, 2017, at the Harare International Conference Centre, is meant to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to participate in the formulation of sustainable waste management strategies. An environmental march and clean-up will take place on October 11, 2017, in Harare’s Central Business District as a conference precursor.
Participants should represent all sectors of the society that include; Government ministries and local authorities, civil society, industry, private sector, UN organs, mining, retailers, Traditional leaders, academia among others. The stakeholder representation will be drawn from ward level to national level in order to enhance inclusivity.
The objectives of the conference are:
- To get commitment from sectors on their solid waste management responsibilities and obligations.
- To clarify stakeholders’ duties, obligations and expectations as well as getting their sustainable practical actions for a clean, safe and healthy environment.
- To appreciate the regional environmental trends and adopt them to suit local context
- To form committees to spearhead the main streaming of environmental issues into all sectors.
- To launch the Zimbabwe Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan and a launch for the one day clean up where the nation will set aside an hour or two per month for its citizens to clean-up their environs.
The event has two components namely;
- Exhibition: This involves the display and showcasing of green initiatives and practices by various sectors such as government, industry, churches, mines, civil society, retailers, government, academia among others
- Conference: This involves presentations by sector representatives making commitments on their responsibilities as a sector. These will include representations from United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) representative and Rwandese Environmental Representative. UNEP is key in providing the global road map and discourse for us to learn from. The key note address delivered by the Praesidium.
Attendance is free of charge, but pre-registration is a requirement to allow for the smooth running of the conference. Exhibition package includes a 3m x 3m shell scheme at a cost of USD$300 (a table, 2 x chairs, 2 x spot lights, access to power, company facia name).
Conference Build Up
As a build up to the conference, the Agency together with various stakeholders, conducted a number of anti-litter activities such as clean up campaigns, anti-litter roadblocks, clearing of road servitudes, mobilization of anti-litter monitors, household bin survey and awareness talk shows.
You are all urged to ensure that the frontage and back of your premises is clean all the time. Have a bin on your house, workplace and in your car for sustainable waste management.
- To register, contact the organizer on Cell: +263 774 505 493 or Tel: +263 4 747755 or [email protected] or Environmental Management Agency on toll free 08080028 WhatsApp 0779 565 707 Email: [email protected]
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