Mark Earth Day with Zambia's triumphant environmental achievement story
In the heart of Eastern Zambia, a quiet revolution is underway, transforming the understanding, management, and protection of groundwater resources. This transformation is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between OneWorld Sustainable Investments and the UNEP Climate Technology Centre and Network (UN CTCN).
The partnership, funded in part by the AFCIA I programme, has acquired the sTEM 5 Amp system, a powerful tool capable of producing high-quality data that profiles and analyzes features of the ground that influence groundwater. In March 2025, the team used this system to collect data from 180 points across two sites in the Nyimba wellfield.
The Nyimba District, home to approximately 160,000 people, depends heavily on groundwater for survival. However, until now, the country lacked the necessary data to properly manage and protect these resources. Critical information like water levels, recharge rates, and climate trends was either unavailable or inaccessible, making it difficult to use mapping tools effectively.
The data collected during the pilot project has met the standards needed to shape a sustainable water management plan. It will help secure water access and guide broader strategies around food security, livestock management, and climate resilience. With better data, the community can make informed decisions on how to manage its water, especially during dry spells.
Belynda Petrie at OneWorld Sustainable Investments stated that access to accurate groundwater data is a key to unlocking sustainable development and fighting poverty. The model of this project could be replicated across Zambia's Eastern Province and eventually, the whole country, benefiting millions.
The Zambian Ministry of Water Development has expressed enthusiasm for the rapid data-gathering capabilities of the sTEM 5 Amp system. The Ministry of Mines is also set to launch a geological survey by helicopter, signaling potential advancements in understanding Zambia's geology.
This collaboration aligns with UNEP CTCN's broader goals of deploying climate-resilient, nature-based, and technology-driven solutions for sustainable development and climate adaptation in vulnerable regions. By leveraging these technologies, the partnership enables precise identification of sustainable groundwater extraction sites, enhances the recharge of aquifers, and supports informed water resource management to improve agricultural productivity and secure water availability for rural communities.
In essence, the UNEP CTCN and OneWorld Sustainable Investments have contributed to transforming water management in rural Zambia by applying technology and innovation to sustainably map and replenish groundwater resources, fostering resilience against climate impacts and supporting rural livelihoods.
- The collaboration between OneWorld Sustainable Investments and UNEP Climate Technology Centre and Network (UN CTCN) is leveraging science, environmental-science, and data-and-cloud-computing technology to transform sustainable water management in rural Zambia.
- The innovative sTEM 5 Amp system, funded by the AFCIA I programme, has been instrumental in collecting high-quality data that profiles and analyzes ground features influencing groundwater, helping to establish a sustainable water management plan.
- By applying technological solutions, the partnership is aiming to combat climate-change impacts, secure water access, and support informed decision-making in rural communities, ultimately fostering resilience and enhancing the livelihoods of millions in Zambia.
