The signing ceremony took place at Garden Court Kitwe, where representatives from both countries met to initiate a new stage of collaboration focused on addressing environmental challenges linked to mining. The event was attended with the support of the President of the Czech Senate, Mr. Miloš Vystrčil. The delegation travelled aboard a Czech government aircraft, underscoring the significance of developing strong bilateral cooperation in research, innovation, and sustainable development.
The cooperation memoranda marked the official launch of the MWAZACO project, an initiative dedicated to tackling longstanding issues related to mine water in the Copperbelt region. This region, known historically for extensive mining operations, faces persistent environmental pressures, including contaminated water sources affecting both ecosystems and local communities.
Through MWAZACO, Czech and Zambian partners aim to jointly identify the most affected water sources, assess contamination levels, and support the development of practical solutions that can lead to safer and more sustainable water management.
By establishing this formal cooperation framework, both sides created a foundation for long-term scientific exchange, capacity-building, and shared research activities. These efforts were also instrumental in shaping the early direction of FRDA, which is intended to provide ongoing support for projects that promote environmental protection, resource management, and community-level improvement in regions impacted by mining.
In addition to strengthening academic and institutional ties, the event also highlighted the importance of international partnerships in addressing complex environmental issues. The launch of MWAZACO serves not only as a technical milestone but also as a symbolic beginning of a broader commitment to improving the environmental conditions in the Copperbelt region and supporting local communities facing the impacts of historical and current mining operations.
Conclusion
The activities carried out on 11 April 2024 represent a major milestone for both MWAZACO and the emerging FRDA. By initiating cooperation in Kitwe, setting up joint objectives, and launching an international research partnership, both countries laid the groundwork for meaningful progress toward cleaner mine water, improved community well-being, and a more sustainable future for the Copperbelt region. Further collaborative activities, field assessments, and knowledge-sharing events are planned as the project continues to develop.
The Czech government aircraft that transported the delegation to Zambia for the MWAZACO memorandum signing.
The event was attended with the support of the President of the Czech Senate, Mr. Miloš Vystrčil, who is seen shaking hands with the Director of FRDA, Ing. Michal Žák, during the ceremony.
Signing of the cooperation memorandum between Prof. Imasiku A. Nyambe and the Czech delegation, attended with the support of Senate President Miloš Vystrčil. Garden Court Kitwe, Zambia.
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