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The Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) has launched a new national initiative aimed at strengthening environmental accountability through investigative journalism, improved water governance, and enhanced legal enforcement.
The project, titled “Investigative Environmental Journalism, Water Governance and Legal Enforcement,” is expected to benefit more than 300,000 people and was officially launched on Wednesday during a four-day media training workshop in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province.
CLRI Executive Director, Mundia Hakoola, said the programme is being implemented with support from Water Witness International and the Fair Water Action Fund, in partnership with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
The initiative will train 25 journalists and media students, support the production of seven to ten investigative stories, and convene two multi-stakeholder fora involving communities, regulators, civil society organisations, and mining companies.
“It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all to the official launch of this important initiative: Strengthening Environmental Accountability through Investigative Journalism and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement,” Hakoola said.
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He noted that the project came at a critical time, particularly for communities in mining-affected regions such as the Copperbelt and North-Western Province, where water pollution, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and limited access to credible information continued to undermine public health and livelihoods.
“Investigative journalism plays a central role in this process. It helps uncover facts, validate community experiences, and bring evidence to the public domain. It transforms lived realities into credible, verifiable information that can influence decision-making and drive reform,” he said.
Hakoola stressed that the initiative was not only about exposing wrongdoing but also about promoting constructive engagement among government institutions, communities, civil society, and industry actors.
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment for its leadership in supporting responsible mining practices and strengthening environmental governance.
“To our journalists and participants, I want to emphasize that you are at the heart of this initiative. The skills you gain here will enable you to tell stories that matter — stories that inform, empower, and drive change,” he said, encouraging participants to uphold professionalism, courage, and strong ethical standards throughout the workshop.
According to CLRI, the project is designed to have a nationwide footprint, with expected positive impacts on communities through strengthened reporting, improved public awareness, and enhanced dialogue around environmental challenges.
Hakoola reaffirmed CLRI’s commitment to accountability, transparency, collaboration, and justice, adding that stronger water governance remained essential for safeguarding Zambia’s sustainable and responsible development.
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