Assessment of Integrated Environmental Management in Public and Private Schools in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia

Abstract

Copperbelt Province is one of the ten provinces of Zambia. It has public and private schools which have been faced with escalating levels of environmental problems due to growth in human population and economic growth. The environmental problems which are matters of concern in the schools include, unsound waste management, loss of vegetation cover, runoffs, and water and air pollution. The integrated environmental management approach could help reduce and curb the escalating levels of environmental degradation. The study was aimed at generating information on the levels to which the IEM intervention has been implemented in the public and private schools of Kitwe and Kalulushi districts in the Copperbelt. It focused on the existence of integrated environmental management activities and related IEM plans. It also ascertained the understanding of the IEM approach, the national environmental legislations and compliance. In addition, the research focused on finding out how schools are managing the problems of waste and runoffs. A purposive non- random sampling approach was used to obtain data from the study area, focusing on key stakeholder representatives from ZEMA, local authorities, DEBS, and the teachers from primary and secondary schools.The study showed that participants have a narrow and limited knowledge of the IEM. Integrated environmental management plans were not in existence. There was also lack of understanding of the national environmental legislations and sound waste management. The results also implied that there is little or no collaboration between the schools, local authorities and ZEMA.Important documents regarding national legislations regarding environmental management (such as the EMA. No. 12 of 2011) have not been availed to the public and private schools. It is evident that the stakeholders need to narrow the gap existing between them.