The partnership has seen young people debating current issues of land degradation, veld fires, siltation and the emission of dangerous gases into the atmosphere.
Shurugwi and Kwekwe are the worst-affected cities in the province in terms of land degradation, due to the illegal gold panning. In Kwekwe, the panners continue to use disused shafts, putting a huge strain on the local environment. Speaking at the Schools Debate finals at Chaplin High School, Environment Minister Francis Nhema said the present challenges required collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.
“The future of this country lies in sustainable utilisation of our natural resources. For this to be achieved there is a need to create an environmentally conscious society where an ethos of environmental tolerance and sustainable development is upheld by all citizens,” Nhema said.
He also called upon the Environmental Management Agency to continue holding school debates as a way of informing the youths about current challenges.
Post published in: Environment