ZAMBIA ITALY SIGN CLIMATE CHANGE MOU

Zambia and Italy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to combat climate change.
Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme, and Italian Minister of Environment, Land and Sea Sergio Costa, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective countries in Rome, Italy.
The Memorandum of Understanding is aimed at enhancing cooperation between Zambia and Italy on matters relating to reducing Climate Change vulnerability by enhancing risk assessment and implementation of various adaptation and mitigation measures.
Some of the areas of focus will include systematic weather and climate observations.
It will also include research, transfer of technology, enhancing environmental and natural resources protection.
Other areas of coorperation will be promoting the use of secure, clean and efficient energy with a view to stimulate the transition towards low carbon economy.
The Italian Government further expressed willingness to support the Zambian Government in promoting Climate Smart Agriculture, sustainable forest management, reduction of deforestation and forest degradation.
The Italian Government has committed to support the Zambian Government to raise investment funds for combating climate change and promotion of Sustainable Development as espoused in the Seventh National Development Plan.
Mr. Costa said Italy has secured a catalytic fund of 2 million euros to bring the Memorandum of Understanding into effect in terms of preparing project documents that will be submitted to various funding agencies.