We support partners and clients across a broad spectrum—from environmental law and policy to climate change adaptation and resilience, natural resource management, and sustainable energy. Our expertise extends into environmental impact studies, safeguards, and socio-economic development.
A significant portion of our efforts meets the growing demand for rigorous research, strategic development, and policy analysis. This work is translated into insightful publications and working papers that help drive resilient development. We are committed to providing professional and technical leadership, acting as game-changers to uncover new possibilities for sustainable progress.
At the heart of our approach is a focus on resilience—the key to sustainable development. Our core programs are dedicated to building resilience in communities and urban centers through integrated planning models, sustainable investments, climate finance, and the low-carbon transformation of development plans. With extensive experience working with shared ecosystem resources such as water and transboundary environments, ZIEM champions innovative solutions that empower regions and foster lasting change.
At ZIEM, our strategy is grounded in building institutional and professional capacities to lead Zambia and the region toward sustainable, equitable, and innovative environmental governance. We work through a systems-thinking approach — integrating policy, science, law, and development — to respond to challenges across climate change, water resource management, energy governance, forestry, and extractive industries.
ZIEM is a strong advocate for inclusive, transparent, and accountable environmental governance. We believe that good governance ensures just outcomes for people and nature — rooted in law, informed by science, and driven by participation. Good environmental governance reflects better understanding of the structure, function, processes and variability that typify natural systems. Without this understanding, inappropriate decisions can be made with catastrophic environmental consequences, even with the best possible intentions.
Through our legal, policy, and technical expertise, we create spaces for constructive dialogue, cross-sector partnerships, and evidence-based decision-making. Our governance work is designed to ensure resilience, equity, and sustainability for future generations.
Generating actionable insights to inform environmental management.
Providing in-depth evaluations to support decision-making and policy development.
Creating publications, reports, and working papers that share our findings and expertise.
A number of new policies and new pieces of legislation have been formulated in Zambia since 1985. That requires comprehensive environmental compliance, monitoring and enforcement capacity to be established in the country. This includes steady increase in budget allocations for environmental and natural resources management at national and local levels. A comprehensive budget reform process for the environmental sector is a must. There is need for an increased emphasis to involve poor and vulnerable communities in public participation and decision making.