Maravi

Address exploitation of resources, urges SARW

Address exploitation of resources, urges SARW
By Kabanda Chulu in Kitwe
Fri 26 Nov. 2010, 03:59 CAT

SARW Zambia representative Edward La-nge yesterday challenged the government leaders to urgently address the illegal exploitation of natural resources to avoid increased conflicts and instability in the sub region.

And Lange has advised that reports and publications which the Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW) supports do not represent the views of the institution but those of the authors and writers.

In an interview ahead of next month’s International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) heads of state summit scheduled for Lusaka, Lange urged member countries to implement rules and regulations that would reduce illegal exploitation of natural resources.

“It is widely recognised that illegal exploitation as well as the trade of natural resources contribute to the instability in the region and represents an impediment to economic and social development in the ICGLR region and we urge member states to find solutions to this problem through mutual agreement within the framework of close regional cooperation,” Lange said.

“We are saying so because the potential of conflict is high especially over the exploitation of resources along common borders and if not urgently addressed, it may explode since we seem to be sitting on a time bomb and as civil society we should also increase our advocacy against illegal exploitation of natural resources through regular interface with leaders so that this indiscriminate stealing can be stopped.”

He explained that regional civil society organisations recently met in DR Congo and resolutions of that meeting would be presented during the Heads of State summit in Lusaka.

“We are hoping to feed into the deliberations of the summit and present our resolutions since we are working for the same cause and Zambia has an opportunity as host nation and chair to share experiences and learn from what is obtaining in other countries. For instance, corporate social responsibility is voluntary in Zambia but in other countries it is compulsory,” Lange said.

He further said SARW supported various publications that were written by several authors.

“But their views do not necessarily represent that of the institution but individual authors,” said Lange.

SARW was established in 2007 and is supported by the Open Society Initiative in Southern Africa (OSISA), with its focus on promoting sustainable use of natural and mineral resources.

Labels: EDWARD LANGE, SARW

posted by MrK @ 5:08 PM