By Mwenya Mukuka
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| Rt. Rev. Evans Chinyemba, OMI Bishop of Mongu |
Bishop Evans Chinyemba, OMI of Mongu has said that the human life is connected to the cycle of environment; a reason it should be safeguarded, responsibly managed and not abused.
Bishop Chinyemba who is the prelate for Mongu Diocese has also noted the unorthodox ways of collecting caterpillars which are edible in some parts of Zambia.
Bishop Chinyemba who is the prelate for Mongu Diocese has also noted the unorthodox ways of collecting caterpillars which are edible in some parts of Zambia.
“From late October going through November, the communities in the Western region and other parts of the country take pride in harvesting caterpillars. Caterpillar collectors use unorthodox ways of collecting them. They cut almost every tree that has caterpillars on them.
This spirit of collecting caterpillars as if there is no tomorrow is bad for our environment. Some species of trees in the near future will not be found. When this happens, there will be no caterpillars. The same people cutting trees will turn and complain as to what has happened to caterpillars,” he said.
This spirit of collecting caterpillars as if there is no tomorrow is bad for our environment. Some species of trees in the near future will not be found. When this happens, there will be no caterpillars. The same people cutting trees will turn and complain as to what has happened to caterpillars,” he said.
The Bishop further noted that another environmental issue is the annual fish ban which government imposes from December to March.
“In the midst of this fish ban we are surprised that fishermen continue to catch fish. Not only do they continue fishing, but they employ weird way of fishing using mosquito nets. This is a very bad habit which should stop. What will happen to our future generations?” he asked.
Quoting Pope Francis Encyclical, Laudato Si, Bishop Chinyemba said, “We are not God. The earth was here before us and it has been given to us… Each community can take from the bounty of the earth whatever it needs for subsistence, but it also has the duty to protect the earth and to ensure its fruitfulness for coming generations.”
Bishop Chinyemba, OMI, who made the comments on his Diocesan monthly bulletin, said that as a reflection is made on the themes of being alert, and vigilant this advent, he asked what steps should each take in order to be good stewards of the environment.
“It is about our vigilance as to what is around us during this Advent Season. A spirituality of vigilance leads us to be aware of who is to come, Emmanuel, God With Us. As we begin Advent, we ought to ask ourselves if we are vigilant in our dealing with the environment,” he said.
“An attitude of spiritual vigilance and a change of heart will be evidence of Christ at work in our lives. When we do this we shall not only await and prepare for the Messiah who is to come for us, but we shall be taking measures to safeguard what God, the Father of the Messiah whom we await gave to humankind,” he concluded.
∽Ends∽