Centre for Environment Justice

07/08/2026

The 2026 Environmental Protection Dialogue (EPD2026) is bringing together stakeholders to confront one of the questions that matters most to Zambia today:

How do we safeguard our future by addressing the impacts of environmental degradation now?

Under the theme “Safeguarding Our Future: Addressing the Impact of Environmental Degradation in Zambia,” EPD2026 will create space for meaningful dialogue on environmental justice, sustainable development, climate action and practical solutions that can drive positive change.

📅 14–16 October 2026
📍 Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka

Be part of the conversation. Register for EPD2026 today:
🔗 https://epd.cejzambia.org/register-to-participate/

07/08/2026

[ Monitoring Progress, Strengthening Community Savings ]

The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) continues to strengthen community livelihoods through ongoing monitoring and mentorship of Village Banking Savings Groups across Serenje District.

Beyond providing seed grants and training, CEJ is implementing a structured monitoring and learning approach to better understand how savings groups are progressing, identify challenges, capture lessons learned, and provide targeted mentorship that supports long-term sustainability. This approach enables CEJ to assess business performance, savings growth, governance, financial management, and the overall impact of the programme while generating evidence to improve future interventions.

As part of this exercise, CEJ is following up with both savings groups that received seed grants and those that participated in village banking training, recognising that continued guidance is essential for building resilient and self-sustaining community enterprises.

On 31 July, the CEJ team visited Naswa Savings Group, one of the first eight groups in Serenje District to receive a K10,000 seed grant from CEJ. The group invested in a poultry enterprise and has continued to strengthen its village banking activities.

During the visit, members were conducting their regular savings meeting, demonstrating their commitment to financial discipline and collective growth. The group has accumulated approximately K38,000 in savings, reflecting the positive impact of regular saving, sound financial management, and teamwork.

The monitoring visit also reviewed business performance, loan management, record keeping, governance, and the challenges faced by the group. These engagements provide an opportunity to celebrate achievements, strengthen accountability, and offer practical support that helps groups continue growing their businesses and improving household livelihoods.

CEJ remains committed to empowering communities through village banking, entrepreneurship, and continuous capacity building. By combining financial support with regular monitoring, mentorship, and learning, CEJ is helping communities build resilient enterprises and create lasting opportunities for economic empowerment.

06/08/2026

[ Strengthening Forest Restoration Through Partnerships: Centre for Environment Justice Visits Forestry Department in Serenje ]

On 27 June 2025, the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), with support from Bread for the World, handed over a water system to the Forestry Department – Serenje District Office to support tree nursery establishment and forest restoration efforts.

Prior to this support, the Forestry Department had experienced challenges with access to water for over a year, which affected nursery operations and preparations for the tree planting season. The department had not been allocated a specific budget for the 2025–2026 tree planting season due to the same, making external support and partnerships critical in sustaining tree-growing initiatives.

Following the installation of the water system, the Forestry Department was able to revive nursery activities and, through collaboration with CEJ, successfully raised and planted over 9,000 tree seedlings. The planted seedlings included a variety of species such as pine, eucalyptus, fruit trees, and other agroforestry species, contributing to environmental restoration, climate resilience, and community livelihood support in Serenje District.

On the 29th July 2026, the Forestry Department invited CEJ to appreciate the progress made since the handover of the water system and to witness the positive outcomes of the partnership. The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on the joint efforts made during the previous tree planting period and the continued commitment towards increasing forest cover and promoting sustainable environmental management.

Looking ahead, the Forestry Department has set ambitious targets for the upcoming National Tree Planting Programme, including the establishment of 25 hectares of pine plantation, which will require approximately 34,000 pine seedlings.

Additionally, the district office plans to establish approximately 50 hectares of community woodlots consisting of pine and eucalyptus species, requiring close to 71,000 tree seedlings. The department also plans to distribute approximately 60,000 assorted fruit and agroforestry seedlings to deserving lead farmers across the district to promote sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and improved livelihoods.

The continued collaboration between CEJ, the Forestry Department, and supporting partners demonstrates the importance of partnerships in addressing environmental challenges, restoring degraded landscapes, and empowering communities to become active participants in conservation efforts.

05/08/2026

[ CEJ Strengthens Cooperative Enterprises Through Monitoring, Mentorship, and Strategic Partnerships ]

The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has continued its commitment to strengthening community livelihoods by conducting a monitoring and mentorship exercise with beneficiary cooperatives that received seed grants under its Village Banking Programme in Serenje District.

The monitoring visit focused on Mupa Savings and Credit Cooperative and Twatasha Savings and Credit Cooperative, each of which received a K50,000 seed grant from CEJ to establish income-generating enterprises. Mupa Savings and Credit Cooperative invested in a piggery project, while Twatasha Savings and Credit Cooperative established a poultry enterprise.

Recognising that sustainable businesses require more than financial support, CEJ is working closely with key government stakeholders to provide ongoing technical guidance and capacity building. The monitoring exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Department and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

During the engagement, the teams reviewed each cooperative's business plans, assessed business performance, and discussed financial management, bookkeeping, and record-keeping practices. The monitoring process also identified areas where additional mentorship is needed to strengthen governance, accountability, and enterprise management.

The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is providing technical support to both cooperatives, including guidance on poultry and piggery housing, feeding, disease prevention, medication, and general animal husbandry. This collaboration is helping the cooperatives develop the practical skills needed to manage healthy and productive livestock enterprises.

To reinforce these efforts, a joint training programme has been scheduled for the second week of August. The training will equip cooperative members with practical knowledge in poultry and piggery production, business management, financial literacy, bookkeeping, and record keeping.

The monitoring exercise forms part of CEJ's broader commitment to ensuring that seed grant investments translate into sustainable livelihoods and long-term community resilience. By combining financial support with continuous mentorship and strategic partnerships, CEJ aims to strengthen local enterprises, improve household incomes, and promote self-reliance among community members.

CEJ appreciates the continued collaboration of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Department and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in supporting beneficiary cooperatives. Through these partnerships, communities are receiving the technical knowledge and ongoing guidance necessary to transform seed funding into thriving and sustainable businesses.

05/08/2026

[ CEJ Supports the Insala Ni Ndiminwa Tempulilwa Traditional Ceremony ]

On 1 August, the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) proudly participated in and sponsored the Insala Ni Ndiminwa Tempulilwa Traditional Ceremony, an important cultural event whose name is literally interpreted as "You cannot overcome hunger without cultivating."

Held under the theme "Productivity, the Pillar of Our Sovereignty," this year's ceremony highlighted the vital role of agriculture, hard work, and community participation in achieving food security and sustainable livelihoods.

The ceremony serves as a reminder that food security begins with responsible stewardship of our land, environmental conservation, and investment in productive farming practices. These values closely align with CEJ's commitment to promoting environmental justice, climate resilience, and sustainable community development.

CEJ is honoured to have supported both the inaugural ceremony and this year's second edition, reaffirming our commitment to working alongside traditional leadership and local communities in promoting initiatives that preserve cultural heritage while encouraging environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.

We commend the traditional leadership, organising committee, government departments, and community members whose collective efforts made this year's ceremony a success.

Together, we can build resilient communities where culture, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture work hand in hand to strengthen food security for present and future generations.

04/08/2026

[ 2026 Zambia Alternative Mining Indaba ]

Last week, CEJ proudly joined stakeholders at the 2026 Zambia Alternative Mining Indaba under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Celebrating Value and Community Resilience in Zambia’s Mining Sector.”

Representing CEJ were Head of Programmes Ms. Jennifer Mwanangombe, EPD Coordinator Ms. Patricia Nangoyi, Sinazongwe District Coordinator Mr. Jeff Kayamba, and community members from Chifunabuli, Samfya, Milenge, Mumbwa, Sinazongwe, Serenje, Kabwe, and Mufulira.

The Indaba brought together civil society, government, mining companies, communities, and other partners to examine how Zambia’s mineral wealth can deliver real, sustainable local development and improve livelihoods in mining-affected areas.

This year’s focus moved deliberately beyond policy talk. Discussions centred on turning commitments into tangible outcomes through local procurement, employment creation, community investments, and building genuine resilience where it matters most, on the ground. Community voices were central, highlighting the need for transparency, environmental protection, meaningful participation, and accountability so that mining benefits reach the people who live with its impacts every day.

CEJ remains committed to advocating for an inclusive, transparent, and accountable mining sector that places communities at the centre of development.

04/08/2026

The 2026 Environmental Protection Dialogue (EPD2026) is bringing together stakeholders to confront one of the questions that matters most to Zambia today:

How do we safeguard our future by addressing the impacts of environmental degradation now?

Under the theme “Safeguarding Our Future: Addressing the Impact of Environmental Degradation in Zambia,” EPD2026 will create space for meaningful dialogue on environmental justice, sustainable development, climate action and practical solutions that can drive positive change.

📅 14–16 October 2026
📍 Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka

Be part of the conversation. Register for EPD2026 today:
🔗 https://epd.cejzambia.org/register-to-participate/

04/08/2026

Congratulations to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development-Zambia on scooping 1st Prize in the Environmental Awareness Category at the just-concluded Agriculture and Commercial Show! This achievement is a testament to the Ministry’s continued efforts in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development. We celebrate this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing even more impact in the communities you serve. 🌍💚

27/07/2026

Showcase your solutions🤝
Exhibit at the EPD2026 and Connect with key stakeholders, build strategic partnerships, and increase your visibility.
Register today: https://epd.cejzambia.org/exhibitions/

17/07/2026

What does the future of resettlement in Zambia look like?

The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) hosted the National Resettlement and Compensation Indaba, bringing together government, mining companies, civil society, and communities to discuss the proposed Resettlement Management Bill 2026 and the future of fair, inclusive, and sustainable development.

🎥 Watch the full highlights here:

The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) hosted the National Resett...