Cabinet backs biodiversity strategy, US$200m needed for implementation

Nqobile Bhebhe

CABINET on Tuesday approved the Third National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for 2026–2030 on Tuesday, with the Government estimating an annual funding requirement of US$200 million to implement it and combat biodiversity loss nationwide.

The strategy was presented by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Environment, Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Prevention, and Management.

Addressing journalists during the post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda underscored the critical importance of biodiversity to Zimbabwe’s development trajectory and warned of mounting threats to ecosystems.

“Biodiversity is vital to Zimbabwe’s social, cultural, and economic development yet it faces significant threats from factors such as unregulated land use change, pollution, climate change, habitat loss, invasive species and resource exploitation,” said Dr Soda.

“This crisis threatens food and water security and livelihoods. In response, the Government of Zimbabwe has formulated the Third National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for the period 2026–2030, aligning with both national development objectives and international frameworks.”

Zimbabwe’s biodiversity which includes its vast wildlife populations, forests, wetlands and aquatic ecosystems underpins key economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, fisheries and forestry.

However, increasing pressure from urban expansion, mining, deforestation and climate variability has heightened the need for coordinated and well-funded conservation measures.

Dr Soda said the newly approved Plan reflects Government’s resolve to adopt a structured and inclusive approach to environmental management.

“The Plan emphasises inclusivity, equity, and inter-generational responsibility. The primary goal is to halt biodiversity loss through strategies focused on conservation, sustainable use, and benefit-sharing, supported by 23 targeted actions and goals,” he said.

Dr Soda noted that implementation would not be confined to a single ministry but would instead embrace a collaborative governance model.

“The implementation of the Plan will adopt a Whole-of-Government and Society approach, supported by a multi-level governance framework led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, with oversight from high-level authorities,” he said.

Crucially, Cabinet acknowledged that meaningful implementation of the strategy will require substantial financial resources.

“An estimated US$200 million annually is required to finance these efforts, with funding mobilised from various sources, including innovative mechanisms and a dedicated Biodiversity Fund to ensure long-term sustainability,” said Dr Soda.

The proposed Biodiversity Fund is expected to serve as a central financing vehicle to support conservation programmes, ecosystem restoration projects, community-based natural resource management initiatives and biodiversity research.