Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu, [email protected]
BULILIMA District hosted joint International Day of Forests (IDF) and World Meteorological Day (WMD) 2026 commemorations at Mlomwe Primary School on Friday, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and its impact on community livelihoods.
Ambassador Tadeous Tafirenyika Chifamba, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, officiated as guest of honour. The event attracted traditional leaders, heads of Government departments, and representatives from several boards.
In his address, Ambassador Chifamba said Zimbabwe had chosen to combine the commemorations, recognising the inseparable link between forests and meteorology in shaping the future of the environment, climate, and livelihoods.
“Under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Zimbabwe has embraced the biodiversity economy framework, which positions forestry alongside wildlife, the blue economy, bio-trade, and ecosystem services as strategic sectors. This approach ensures that our natural capital is not seen as a cost, but as an investment with high returns for communities and the nation,” he said.
He urged communities to conserve forests, stressing that they play a crucial role in daily life.
“Forests underpin rural economies and community resilience. They provide timber, fuelwood, medicines, fruits, and fibre. They support industries from construction to cosmetics, from eco-tourism to energy.
They are the backbone of our biodiversity economy. By investing in forests, Zimbabwe is contributing to global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 13: Climate Action,” he said.
This year’s World Meteorological Day is being celebrated under the theme, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow”, which underscores the need for sustainable development guided by accurate weather and climate services, as well as effective early warning systems.
“Investing in meteorological capacity enables Zimbabwe to invest in a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future, where communities are empowered with knowledge to act decisively and sustainably.
“Forests are not just about trees, but they are about people, livelihoods, and innovation. Consider the Marula fruit, which rural women in Bulilima transform into oils, jams, and cosmetics through enterprises like the Vusanani Cooperative. This is a shining example of how indigenous resources can be harnessed for inclusive growth,” said Ambassador Chifamba.
He pledged to provide the Vusanani Cooperative with oil used in their processing machines, and to support the repair of bridges along the Plumtree–Mlomwe route to improve the community’s road network.
Ambassador Chifamba also called on stakeholders to join hands in protecting the country’s forests.
The International Day of Forests, established by a United Nations General Assembly resolution on 28 November 2012, is marked globally to celebrate and raise awareness on the importance of forests.
Countries are encouraged to organise local, national, and international events centred on forests and trees.
World Meteorological Day, commemorated annually, marks the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization on the same date in 1950.
Both global days recognise contributions to environmental protection and climate resilience, while urging stronger measures to protect forests and the climate.
