Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma ,Online Reporter
THE Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, has implored African nations to invest in nature in order to ensure viable and sustainable economies.
Minister Ndlovu made the remarks at the Oppenheimer Research Conference, which started yesterday and ends today in South Africa.
The annual Oppenheimer Research Conference (ORC) is a platform for showcasing and discussing the natural and environmental sciences, conservation, and sustainable development in Africa.
The ORC serves as a meeting place for change-makers seeking to shift the dial on biodiversity research and conservation. While the focus is on impact in Africa, the conference welcomes global perspectives.
In her remarks, Minister Ndlovu said there is a need to invest in nature in order for communities to thrive.
“Investing in nature, in our wetlands, forests, and wildlife estates, is not a cost; it is a catalyst for resilient economies and stable societies, and I urge all parties — public, private and philanthropic — to recognise this investment opportunity and prioritise nature. After all, over half of global GDP is dependent on nature and its ecosystems.
“In Zimbabwe, we have long understood that our natural heritage is our greatest wealth. From the mighty Victoria Falls to the sweeping savannas of Hwange, our landscapes are not only ecological treasures but also economic lifelines, sustaining tourism, agriculture, and the livelihoods of local communities,” said Minister Ndlovu.
She said the global nature finance gap cannot be ignored.
“The world currently spends less than one-third of what is needed to protect and restore our ecosystems. This is not only an environmental failure but an economic miscalculation.
“Without adequate financing, conservation becomes a form of charity rather than an investment, and progress will be fleeting. We must therefore strategically move decisively towards sustainable, predictable, and results-based financing, where natural capital is valued as a critical asset for development,” said Minister Ndlovu.
