SPEECH DELIVERED BY MS. TILAMAZUWA PHIRI, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AFRICAN RIVERS DURING THE YOUTH CLIMATE ADAPTATION LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM AGENDA ORGANISED BY GAYO IN LUSAKA Friday 10th November, 2023

SPEECH DELIVERED BY MS. TILAMAZUWA PHIRI, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AFRICAN RIVERS DURING THE YOUTH CLIMATE ADAPTATION LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM AGENDA ORGANISED BY GAYO IN LUSAKA

Friday 10th November, 2023

Let me recognise the presence of the Guest of Honour, His Excellency, Mr. Ashuk Kumar, Management of GAYO, Friends from the Media, and May I simply say Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today is a special day for us at African Rivers because we join fellow warriors, the youth, in the fight against climate change and securing a better shared future for our generation. The fight against climate change and its associated negative externalities is not for a single organisation but is for every well meaning global citizen. Therefore, we all have a genuine and compelling responsibility to protect nature especially our rivers and other water bodies that helps to balance the earth’s ecological system.

Notwithstanding the aforesaid, the need for river conservation or water security and the imperative task of building climate resilience for sustainable development cannot be under estimated. Our rivers, the lifeblood of our planet earth, are facing unprecedented challenges. Pollution, over-extraction, and climate change are extremely threatening not only the rivers but also the communities that depend on them. Did you know that over 80% of the world’s wastewater is discharged into rivers and oceans without treatment? This not only endangers aquatic life but threatens the very water sources we rely on for drinking and agriculture.
According to recent studies, over 2 billion people worldwide are already experiencing high water stress, a number that is expected to skyrocket with the continued depletion and pollution of our rivers. This isn’t a distant problem; it’s a crisis knocking on our doors. To embark on a journey of sustainable development, we must first recognize the intrinsic link between river conservation and climate resilience.

Guest of Honour, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Rivers are not mere waterways; they are intricate ecosystems that nurture diverse flora and fauna. When we protect our rivers, we safeguard the delicate balance of nature.
Climate change, with its unpredictable weather patterns and rising sea levels, poses a formidable threat to communities worldwide. By building climate resilience, we equip ourselves to face these challenges head-on. This involves undertaking constructive dialogue processes, adopting sustainable practices, embracing innovative technologies, and fostering a collective commitment to reduce our carbon footprint.

Moreover, climate change is exacerbating a number of issues. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that by 2050, many river basins, critical for agriculture and water supply, will face increased water scarcity due to climate-induced changes. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Investments in nature-based solutions, such as reforestation along riverbanks and sustainable water management, have shown a remarkable return on investment. Some studies indicate that every dollar spent on watershed conservation can yield up to $30 in economic benefits.

Guest of Honour, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On the climate front, a report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warns that climate change could push over 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030. The vulnerability of communities is intricately tied to the health of their surrounding ecosystems, especially those linked to rivers.

Therefore, pragmatic investing in green infrastructure isn’t just an environmental ideal; it’s a smart economic move for wealth creation and sustainable development for all. The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate estimates that investing $1.8 trillion globally in sustainable infrastructure from 2020 to 2030 could generate $7.1 trillion in total net benefits. These numbers are not mere statistics; they represent the stakes of our shared future. By championing river conservation and climate resilience, we aren’t just preserving environments; we are safeguarding human health, livelihoods, and economic prosperity.
In the pursuit of sustainable development, we must forge a clear path that harmonizes with nature, not that which exploits it. It’s a call to action for Governments, Non-Governmental Organisations, industries, traditional leaders and individuals alike. Let us all, prioritize policies that champion water security, river conservation and ensures that our water sources remain pure, safe and abundant.

Guest of Honour, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We must also invest in strategies that enhance our resilience to the ever changing climate. This includes developing green infrastructure, adopting the use of biodegradable materials, promoting renewable energy, and fostering sustainable agriculture practices. As African Rivers a not-for-profit international conservation non-governmental organization, our mission is to protect rivers and nature while defending the rights of communities that depend on them through humanitarian actions, building smart partnerships with like-minded players, leveraging climate finance, and promoting responsible use of water resources for economic purposes. We believe that together, we can create a future where rivers flow freely, teeming with life, and where communities stand resilient in the face of the emerging environmental challenges. It’s not just an environmental cause; it’s a collective responsibility for the well-being of our planet and future generations.

Guest of Honour, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As l conclude, let me take this rare opportunity to inform this meeting and the world that African Rivers together with its partners is preparing to host the first-ever Zambezi River Indaba & Expo under the theme: “Promoting River Restoration, Climate Smart Investment, Technology and Water Harvesting for Sustainable Development and Job Creation in Africa” from the 25th to 28th March, 2024 in Livingstone the tourist capital of Zambia. African Rivers therefore, wish to extend a special invitation to GAYO and all your partners to join in preparing for this unique and important continental event focusing on how to harness both the commercial and social value of rivers.

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Thank You.