102 No. 2 of 2016] Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) (k) equitable access to environmental resources shall be promoted; (l) effective participation of people in the development of relevant policies, plans and programmes; and (m) access to environmental information to enable people preserve, protect and conserve the environment. Protection of environment and natural resources 256. A person has a duty to co-operate with State organs, State institutions and other persons to— (a) maintain a clean, safe and healthy environment; (b) ensure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources; (c) respect, protect and safeguard the environment; and (d) prevent or discontinue an act which is harmful to the environment. Utilisation of natural resources and management of environment 257. The State shall, in the utilisation of natural resources and management of the environment— (a) protect genetic resources and biological diversity; (b) implement mechanisms that minimise waste; (c) promote appropriate environment management systems and tools; (d) encourage public participation; (e) protect and enhance the intellectual property in, and indigenous knowledge of, biodiversity and genetic resources of local communities; (f) ensure that the environmental standards enforced in Zambia are of essential benefit to citizens; and (g) establish and implement mechanisms that address climate change. PART XX GENERAL PROVISIONS Official language and use and status of local languages 258. (1) The official language of Zambia is English. (2) A language, other than English, may be used as a medium of instruction in educational institutions or for legislative, administrative or judicial purposes, as prescribed. (3) The State shall respect, promote and protect the diversity of the languages of the people of Zambia.