The Mozambican government launched this Monday (06), in Maputo, the process of revising the Environment Policy and Law, a document that will help to respond to various challenges posed by population migration from rural to urban areas, among others.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Benvinda Levi said the challenges include expanding and restructuring these areas to accommodate new residents, new infrastructure, proper sanitation, environmental quality and resilience to climate change.

"The need to prioritize environmental directives in territorial planning, including marine space as a pillar of sustainability in the national development process, mitigating the negative impacts of industrialization, climate change and the protection of environmental rights, among others," said Benvinda Levi.

She said that the country's social and economic transformation is marked by growing demand for natural resources, especially minerals, hydrocarbons, fisheries and forestry, and that the transition from subsistence to commercial land use can have negative environmental and social results.

Nevertheless, the source stressed the need for new approaches, principles and concepts in national legislation, provided for in the cooperation instruments (agreements, conventions and protocols on the environment to which the country is a signatory).

"With the revision of the Environmental Policy and Law, we want it to contribute to ensuring the full protection of environmental human rights, thus contributing to promoting the well-being of citizens and communities in an inclusive and equitable manner," he said.

On the other hand, the government wants to put climate action at the heart of public environmental policies, with a focus on strengthening and consolidating resilience to the negative effects of extreme events, as well as reducing greenhouse gases.

In addition, the revision of the Environmental Law is expected to bring about a transition to green and blue economies, promoting education, research, innovation and the sharing and transfer of clean and economical technology with the aim of using, exploiting and consuming resources sustainably.

 

(Photo DR)