Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE City of Bulawayo has stepped into the spotlight in the battle against climate change after launching an ambitious climate sustainability roadmap to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change in line with national and global commitments.
The ‘Sustainability Monograph’ was officially unveiled yesterday and provides a roadmap for sustainable climate change mitigation, tackling head-on challenges related to climate change factors.
By focusing on various aspects of climate change, including waste management, renewable energy, and conservation of natural resources, it aims to empower individuals and organisations to adopt sustainable practices that can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
With practical solutions and community engagement at its core, the programme is set to inspire a collective movement towards sustainability.
Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, presided over the vibrant ceremony held at the Large City Hall, where community leaders, environmental activists, and citizens gathered.
In her remarks, the minister said Zimbabwe, like the rest of the world, stands at a crossroads, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts becoming a harsh reality.
These challenges demand not just awareness but an action-oriented approach with seasoned policies, partnerships, and the unyielding spirit of innovation.
“This monograph is not an isolated effort. It is a critical piece of a larger puzzle – Zimbabwe’s strategic framework to combat climate change, anchored by the national climate change adaptation plan and the proposed Climate Change Management Bill, 2025,” said Dr Nyoni.
“My ministry has been working towards the finalisation of the Climate Change Management Bill, 2025. We have held several public consultations and review workshops and collaborated with institutions such as the UNDP and African Development Bank (AfDB) to align the bill with global best practices.”
She said her ministry has also been working on the Zimbabwe carbon credit trading framework to ensure that the country transitions from climate vulnerability to resilience and innovation, becoming a prosperous, climate-smart nation.
“Our 2024–2025 agenda has been emphasising biodiversity conservation, water security, and community resilience, amongst other efforts. As for 2025, hosting the Ramsar Convention on
Wetlands in Zimbabwe this July in the city of Victoria Falls presents a transformative opportunity to align national environmental priorities with global conservation frameworks,” said Dr Nyoni.
The 2025 Climate Change Management Bill is under review, and Dr Nyoni said the legislation will institutionalise accountability at all levels of governance.
“Let me draw your attention to Section 37 of this Bill, which explicitly outlines the duties of provincial councils, metropolitan councils, and local authorities,” she said.
“It mandates that localised climate action plans be aligned with nationally determined contribution targets. Community-led resilience initiatives must safeguard the most vulnerable,” she said.
The Bill also empowers local authorities to create by-laws for implementing their climate change duties.
“As such, this Bill is not merely a document, it is a covenant between Government and citizen, a promise that no community will be left behind. And here is where Bulawayo shines.
“Long before the ink has dried on Section 37, this city has embraced its duties with courage and creativity.
“This sustainability monograph is a testament to what local leadership partnering with private sector players can achieve. Bulawayo is not just complying with future laws – it is setting the standard,” said Dr Nyoni.
She urged other cities and provinces to emulate Bulawayo’s example and commended the city for taking the bold initiative to create green jobs, attract investment, and build a city that thrives in harmony with nature.
Bulawayo Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, said the monograph is a comprehensive framework designed to guide the city and its residents towards sustainable practices.
“This isn’t just a document; it’s a call to action for everyone in Bulawayo. We must work together to create a greener, more resilient future,” he said.
As part of the launch, attendees participated in brief discussions centred around innovative strategies for reducing environmental impact.
Participants shared their stories and ideas, illustrating how small changes in daily habits can lead to significant benefits for the planet.
This comes at a crucial time when the effects of climate change are increasingly felt across the globe. From erratic weather patterns to rising temperatures, communities everywhere are grappling with the consequences.
Bulawayo’s proactive stance not only addresses local challenges but also positions the city as a leader in the international dialogue on climate action.
Online Reporter