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Inter-country learning on Stewardship, Partnerships and Sustainable Development: The Zambian perspective

November 19, 2024

Lusaka, the bustling capital of Zambia, is a city where the demands of urban expansion, industrial growth, and the needs of surrounding catchment areas converge. As economic activities flourish, the challenge of managing natural resources in a sustainable way becomes increasingly complex. A number of key stakeholders have embraced the stewardship approach, utilizing multi-stakeholder partnerships such as LuWSI (Lusaka Water Security Initiative) to foster resilience and sustainable resource use. This collaboration space also provides opportunity for learning and cross-country exchanges, experiences, success factors and collaborative strategies among countries facing similar challenges.

The Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition (ZAWAFE): A launchpad for learning

In June 2024, Zambia hosted the Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition Conference in Lusaka, with the theme “Closing the Gap: Working towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target”. A focus session titled “Forging Resilience through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships”, supported by NatuReS, emphasized the role of stewardship collaborations in enhancing the resilience of cities and catchments. Experiences and lessons were shared from similar stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships from South Africa – UWASP (Umhlathuze Water Stewardship Partnership), Tanzania – Dar es Salaam City Water Resilience Partnership as well as Zambia’s own multi-stakeholder partnership – LuWSI (Lusaka Water Security Initiative).

Group picture at ZAWAFE session with NatuReS team and partners from LuWSI, UWASP and Dar es Salaam City Water Resilience Partnership. © GIZ

The session provided a platform for these partnership stakeholders to share their experiences in building collaborative frameworks to sustainably manage water resources. Participants explored strategies that have proven successful in their contexts and discussed how partnerships can align the interests of governments, businesses and communities. For Lusaka, this exchange illuminated how integrated natural resources stewardship could help the city balance its urban, industrial, environmental and social needs.

Sustainable Industries Conference in Pretoria, South Africa:  Developing industrial spaces towards resilience and circular economy

Building on the momentum of the ZAWAFE, stakeholders from Zambia attended the Sustainable Industries Conference with a focus on the concept of Eco-Industrial Parks; particularly the transition towards sustainable and circular economy practices. Zambian representatives gained insights into how eco-industrial parks can minimize waste, optimize resource use, and reduce environmental impact, thus creating industrial areas that are more competitive and attractive for investment through sustainable practices. Understanding the importance of integrating social considerations, such as community engagement and worker welfare, into industrial park development.

A site visit to a local eco-industrial park provided hands-on learning about the strategies employed to achieve resource efficiency and sustainability. For Lusaka, the lessons learned are critical for shaping policies aimed at transforming its industrial areas into eco-friendly zones that balance economic development with environmental stewardship.

Read more about the conference here.

Group picture of Zambian delegates from Zambia Association of Manufactures, WASAREC, NatuReS Zambia and Management of the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone at the Sustainable Industries Conference. © GIZ

Stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships regional exchange – partnering towards a circular economy

The final regional exchange and learning event of the year took Zambian stakeholders to Ethiopia for a NatuReS-wide regional learning and exchange event. This event concentrated on stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships and their role in promoting circular economy. The Ethiopian experience demonstrated how supportive policies can drive circular economy practices and attract investment, the importance of empowering vulnerable groups, especially women, to participate in resource stewardship and leveraging the capabilities of businesses to drive sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and local communities.

For Zambia, this exchange provided valuable insights into how multi-stakeholder partnerships can be utilized to address key city challenges. By learning from Ethiopia’s successes and setbacks, Zambian stakeholders were able to identify strategies that could be adapted to the Zambian context.

Learn more about the regional exchange in Ethiopia.

Group Picture during a site visit at a waste transfer station in Addis Ababa with the NatuReS Zambia team and LuWSI partners from National water Supply and Sanitation Council, Coca-Cola Beverages Zambia and Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor. © GIZ

The way forward for Zambia´s learning journey on Natural Resources Stewardship

The cross-country learning exchanges have underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable natural resources stewardship. For Zambia, the lessons learned from neighbouring countries and beyond have equipped stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to address the complex interplay between urban development, industrial growth, environmental protection and the well-being of all members of society.