Experts tackle climate change threat

Peter Tanyanyiwa

Herald Correspondent

THE Green Indaba 2025 convened on Monday at Andy Millar Hall as part of the ongoing 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, bringing together policymakers, development partners, innovators and community leaders under the theme; “Cultivating tomorrow – Waste Agriculture nexus.”

The event made a call for urgent, collective action in the face of escalating climate threats.

“This gathering is more than a conference, it is a call to action. We meet at a time when climate change, environmental degradation and unsustainable agricultural practices threaten the very foundations of our livelihoods, ecosystems and national development,” Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife said in a keynote address delivered through the ministry’s Chief Director Mr Washington Zhakata.

The indaba opened with solidarity messages, including an address from Mr Cliff Chivanga, Co-Chair of the SADC Thematic Working Group on Climate Change, Meteorology and Disaster Risk Reduction.

Mr Chivanga emphasised the “importance of coordinating expertise and strengthening cooperation in attaining food security and sustainable development across the region.”

A high-level panel discussion followed, featuring Dr Juru (Green Building Council of Zimbabwe), Mr Ronny Mbaisa (Zimbabwe Sunshine Group), Ms Chipiwa (UN-Habitat), and Don Sakupwanya (City of Harare). These leaders, all implementing partners of the Harare Sustainable City Initiatives (HSCI), explored how urban innovation and community-driven projects are transforming Harare’s approach to waste, energy, and resilience.

“The Harare Sustainable City Initiatives are not just about cleaner streets, they’re about creating green jobs, empowering communities, and building a city that can withstand the shocks of climate change,” said Ms Chipiwa of UN-Habitat.

A unique highlight was the unveiling of a wall exhibition, a replica of the installation launched at the Swedish Embassy the previous week. The exhibition visually narrated Zimbabwe’s journey from waste to wealth, celebrating local ingenuity and the power of public-private partnerships.

“This wall is a testament to what we can achieve when we see waste not as a problem, but as an opportunity for innovation and growth,” remarked Mr Ronny Mbaisa, executive director of Zimbabwe Sunshine Group.