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Environmental Management Compliance, Law and Policy Regimes in Developing Countries: A Review of the Zambian Case
Cuthbert Casey Makondo,
Sydney Sichilima,
Matthews Silondwa,
Richard Sikazwe,
Lombe Maiba,
Chawezi Longwe,
Yvonne Chiliboyi
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
79-87
Received:
28 May 2015
Accepted:
6 June 2015
Published:
19 June 2015
Abstract: This paper is a review of environmental management compliance of the extractive industry; particularly mining in Zambia and the government’s commitment to environmental protection in view of sustainable development .The main objective of this work was to review industrial compliance against Zambia’s environmental legal regime for the period between 2009 and 2014, track environmental policy development, its implementation within the institutional functional framework in view of precautionary principle, polluter pays principle and sustainability. The authors concluded that while the environmental legal framework may be considered relatively new compared to developed nations like United Kingdom, it dates back to the 1970s and is comparable in terms of strength, to that of developed nations. However, there are many challenges regarding effective implementation. Thus, although there are many stiffer and tougher regulations enacted in Zambia (to a point where some advocates of neo-classical frontiers economics have criticized Zambia as slowly introducing one-more among the most highly regulated environmental sectors in the world, deterring development) the authors concluded that implementation was a huge challenge: implementation of Zambia’s environmental regulatory regime faces wide range of problems, from a highly centralized financial and decision-making system and budgetary allocation of negligible size, to lack of appropriate tools, equipment and personnel technical capacity. It was found that while the environmental regulations have been further stiffened around 2011-2013; compliance of mining companies was lagging behind. This was evidenced by failure of 8 in 10 mining firms to submit periodic reports as per regulatory conditions on their permits. Cases of discharging and disposing of hazardous waste to gain savings from the expenses that would otherwise arise through normal disposal procedures still exist. The authors concluded that while new and stronger measures have been put in place by government to ensure that the environmental degradation caused by mining and other extractive industry activities are adequately managed, the measures are not working effectively. These findings are consistent with the findings of the 2014 Auditor General’s Report. It was clear that co-ordination within the government’s regulatory institutional framework with interacting mandates was weak, while the selective nature on the application of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations was demeaning environmental protection and socio-economic justice.
Abstract: This paper is a review of environmental management compliance of the extractive industry; particularly mining in Zambia and the government’s commitment to environmental protection in view of sustainable development .The main objective of this work was to review industrial compliance against Zambia’s environmental legal regime for the period between...
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African Indigenous Knowledge System and Environmental Sustainability
Alokwu Cyprian Obiora,
Ezenwaji Emma Emeka
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
88-96
Received:
24 May 2015
Accepted:
9 June 2015
Published:
25 June 2015
Abstract: Observers in international political arena have brought to public knowledge the fact that environmentalism has gradually crept into international politics. This is because of the commonalities between environment and political economy. Governments at various levels, environmental policy makers, have therefore sought solutions from scientific, economic and political dimensions to address the problems while neglecting the important role indigenous knowledge system could play in this much needed synergy. After careful research of some related literatures, the paper emerged with the findings that non-inclusion of African indigenous knowledge in environmental discourse over the years was simply based on the assumption that scientific investigation and findings was the only authentic method and acceptable means of providing information/solution to myriad of problems of the environmental sustainability. It, therefore, strongly argues that solution to these problems particularly in Africa requires a multi and interdisciplinary approach and not just scientific inquiry. It calls attention to the fact that African indigenous knowledge system (which still remains untapped resource) could beuseful, in fostering the much needed culture of ecological responsibility. To achieve this, it recommends a new paradigm to environmental discourse where natural science integrates with African indigenous knowledge to achieve environmental sustainability.
Abstract: Observers in international political arena have brought to public knowledge the fact that environmentalism has gradually crept into international politics. This is because of the commonalities between environment and political economy. Governments at various levels, environmental policy makers, have therefore sought solutions from scientific, econo...
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Carbon Stock in Woody Plants of Humbo Forest and its Variation along Altitudinal Gradients: The Case of Humbo District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Alefu Chinasho,
Teshome Soromessa,
Eyale Bayable
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
97-103
Received:
27 May 2015
Accepted:
11 June 2015
Published:
4 July 2015
Abstract: Forests play a critical role in the natural global carbon cycle by capturing carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. However, Ethiopia does not have carbon inventories and databank to monitor and enhance carbon sequestration potential of different forests. As result, this study was conducted in Humbo forest with the overall objective of estimating the total carbon stock in woody plants and its variation along altitudinal gradients, as well as its implication for climate change mitigation. The above and below ground biomass, dead litter biomass and soil carbon were measured and estimated by using allometric equations. Trees with DBH>2.5 cm were measured for their height and diameter at breast height, and the result was analyzed by SPSS software, version 20. The findings of the study showed that Syzigium guineese(L.) Skeels was the most dominant and Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kal was the least dominant one. The average carbon stock of the study area was 30.77, 14.46, 12.55, and 168.2 ton/ha, in above ground biomass, below ground biomass, dead litter, and soil, respectively. The variation of carbon pools between altitudinal gradient was not significant. The total maximum and minimum carbon stock estimated was 361.63 and 58.49 ton/ha, respectively, with the average value of 225.98 ton/ha. The estimated money term of carbon dioxide sequestered in one hectare was $6087.429 USD in average. This implies that the forest managed for carbon trading (to get money) indirectly sequesters about 829.35 ton /ha, in average.
Abstract: Forests play a critical role in the natural global carbon cycle by capturing carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. However, Ethiopia does not have carbon inventories and databank to monitor and enhance carbon sequestration potential of different forests. As result, this study was conducted in Humbo forest with the overall objective of ...
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Quantitative Assessment of the Chemical Safety of Groundwater Wells in Two Selected Districts of Rwanda
Wondatir Nigatu,
Chantal Andutirabose Umuhire,
Joseph Nsengimana,
Antoine Nsabimana,
Sebashongore Dieudonne
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
104-110
Received:
17 June 2015
Accepted:
4 July 2015
Published:
15 July 2015
Abstract: This research was conducted on groundwater wells of Bugesera and Muhanga districts in Rwanda where its physico-chemical parameters were determined as main aim. The study period was between February and May, 2015. A total of 18 water samples were collected from 12 sites. The laboratory experiment focused on the following quantitative determination parameters: Turbidity, pH, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Nitrate, and Phosphate. Alkalinities (range from 153 to 224 mg/l) in all studied wells were above the standard. Except in one well above the standard, Zinc was detected below the standard in all wells (0.01 up to 0.3 mg/l). Except one well below the range, Iron was found within the normal range in all wells (0.005 – 1.00 mg/l). Manganese was within the normal range in five wells of Bugesera district (0.122 – 0.420 mg/l), whereas below the WHO standard in all wells of Muhanga district (0.003 – 0.087 mg/l). Except one well in Bugesera district all heavy metals in all wells were not exceeded the permissible limits. The samples from Kanogo groundwater well were containing a very high amount of Zinc and Manganese. In some wells detection were found below the standard. TDS (range from 70.5 to 232mg/L), pH (range from5.5 to 6.3) and Electrical conductivity (range from 128 to 335 μs/cm) values in all studied wells were lower than standards provided by Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) and World Health Organization (WHO). This study provides an insight on the quantitative measurements of some chemicals which do have relevance in the use of groundwater wells for domestic consumption. The wells can be utilized with proper management and regular monitoring. However, due to the high amount of heavy metal pollutants in the Kanogo groundwater well of Bugesera district this well should be monitored and treated for the moment. The government and other stakeholders together with the community should seek an alternative safe water supply source. Some preventive measures like planting trees around the well to protect it against entry discharge of residual waste and periodically cleaning of the wells are suggested. It is also important to sensitizing the community so that they can take precautionary measures to the cause; extent and impact of the contamination by these chemicals.
Abstract: This research was conducted on groundwater wells of Bugesera and Muhanga districts in Rwanda where its physico-chemical parameters were determined as main aim. The study period was between February and May, 2015. A total of 18 water samples were collected from 12 sites. The laboratory experiment focused on the following quantitative determination p...
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Analysing the Effects of Physical Conditions of the Workplace on Employee’s Productivity (Including Case Study)
Mohammad Taghipour,
Maryam Mahboobi,
Arash Nikoeifar,
Ebrahim Soofi Mowloodi
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
111-119
Received:
25 April 2015
Accepted:
9 July 2015
Published:
18 July 2015
Abstract: One of the issues that today will improve the productivity of any organization is attention to the human factors engineering. Experience in worldwide has shown that modifying of work conditions, improving the quality and quantity of production, loss of illnesses due to the work, cost reduction and thereby enhancing the productivity, all are the positive consequences of suitable usage of Ergonomics in organizations which may be feasible under the shadow of following correction system of work condition, paying more attention to the workplaces and applying macro-ergonomics approach. This study was carried out to analyze the environmental and organizational condition of workers in the assembly unit of an automotive company with ergonomics optimization approach. In fact, the aim of this study was to find the amount of employee’s satisfaction from environmental and organizational factors of their jobs, thus providing guidelines for improving the identified problems which eventually will lead to increase the productivity. To do this descriptive research, after providing a questionnaire which it is valid and approved final, 50 out of 200 workers of the second shift of assembly unit have been randomly selected and were asked about the condition of the workplace and also disorders while working. After collecting and observing responses, frequency was obtained using diagram. Meanwhile, using mask had the least attention and environment noise had the most frequently in disorder categories. In addition, workers were complaining about the shortage of labor force, high speed of production lines and lack of break time.
Abstract: One of the issues that today will improve the productivity of any organization is attention to the human factors engineering. Experience in worldwide has shown that modifying of work conditions, improving the quality and quantity of production, loss of illnesses due to the work, cost reduction and thereby enhancing the productivity, all are the pos...
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