I’ll learn from Mposha’s tactics in handling environmental crises – Siame

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment recently witnessed a formal handover of power, with incoming Minister Dr. Gilbert Siame pledging to draw valuable lessons from the crisis-management strategies of his predecessor, Mike Mposha. Speaking at the ceremony in Lusaka, Dr. Siame acknowledged the complexity of the environmental challenges currently facing Zambia, emphasizing that continuity and drawing on institutional memory are vital for the ministry's success. Outgoing Minister Mike Mposha reflected on his tenure, noting that the new minister assumes office amidst critical national concerns, notably a looming drought that threatens agricultural productivity and national food security. Mposha stressed the importance of proactive measures, specifically urging the Meteorological Department to enhance its forecasting mechanisms to provide timely and accurate data to guide farmers, policymakers, and the wider public through climate-related vulnerabilities. Dr. Siame commended the foundational work laid by both Mposha and former minister Collins Nzovu, noting that their cumulative efforts established robust frameworks in areas such as forestry reforms, carbon credit partnerships, and environmental protection. He promised to maintain an open-door policy, working closely with ministry staff, civil society, and the media to ensure that environmental governance remains transparent and responsive to the needs of ordinary Zambians. The transition comes at a time when Zambia is intensely grappling with the multi-faceted impacts of climate change, including erratic rainfall patterns, energy deficits linked to low water levels in hydro-power reservoirs, and pressures on natural resources. Observers note that Dr. Siame's background will be tested immediately as he steps into a portfolio central to the country's sustainable development goals and economic resilience. As the new leadership settles in, stakeholders across the agricultural and environmental sectors await conc