Zambia reaffirms commitment to sustainable Ocean Governance and Global Action Against Plastic pollution

By Staff Writer 

Mombasa, Kenya – Tuesday 16 June 2026 – Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable ocean governance, aquatic ecosystem conservation, and international efforts to combat plastic pollution during the Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Roundtable held in Mombasa, Kenya.

Speaking at the high-level gathering, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Kenya, His Excellency Mr. Alfred Musemuna, underscored the country’s dedication to the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in protecting oceans and aquatic ecosystems.

Mr. Musemuna commended the Commonwealth Secretariat for convening the roundtable, which brought together ministers, policymakers, scientists, development partners, and other stakeholders to advance discussions on ocean restoration, conservation, and the sustainable use of marine resources.

“Zambia recognizes that the sustainability of oceans and aquatic ecosystems is a shared responsibility requiring collective action, knowledge exchange, and unwavering political commitment,” said Mr. Musemuna.

The High Commissioner noted that although Zambia is a land-linked country, it remains actively engaged in protecting aquatic ecosystems through a range of national programmes aimed at environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

He highlighted several key interventions being implemented by the Government of the Republic of Zambia, including advancing integrated water resources management and environmental protection; supporting community-based natural resource management initiatives; promoting sustainable fishing practices and strengthening enforcement mechanisms; implementing catchment management and reforestation programmes to safeguard water quality; conserving critical biodiversity areas that support food security, livelihoods, and tourism; and collaborating with development partners on climate adaptation, pollution control, and ecosystem resilience projects.

Mr. Musemuna observed that the Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Roundtable comes at a crucial time when oceans and aquatic ecosystems worldwide are facing mounting threats from pollution, biodiversity loss, unsustainable resource exploitation, and climate change.

He further highlighted Zambia’s commitment to addressing plastic pollution through both national and international measures. Zambia continues to support the development of a legally binding global instrument to tackle plastic pollution throughout its entire lifecycle.

Among the measures already undertaken, Zambia has implemented Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations since 2018, commenced a second national plastics inventory using Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention tools, and initiated a legal review of the country’s plastic waste management framework.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JrDiVteCf/The Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Roundtable is expected to strengthen cooperation among member states and contribute to actionable commitments that support healthy oceans, sustainable economies, and resilient communities across the Commonwealth. – High Commission of the Republic of Zambia
Nairobi, Kenya