Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Mr Simon Masanga met United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative to Zimbabwe Dr Ayodele Odusola on Monday to discuss collaboration on biodiversity conservation, renewable energy and climate action.
The meeting also explored innovative financing mechanisms for biodiversity conservation and progress on several environmental programmes, according to the Ministry.
The Ministry said UNDP had been providing technical and financial support to help it fulfil its mandate, with the two parties identifying several key areas of collaboration.
“These include biodiversity conservation, funding the NDC 3.0 readiness programme and exploring innovative financing mechanisms for biodiversity,” the Ministry said.
On renewable energy, the Ministry said the two parties were advancing the development of solar farms and mini-grids in Hakwata in Chipinge and Dete in Hwange.
The discussions also covered climate action, including collaboration on the Natural Capital Accounting project in Sebungwe and support for Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) initiatives.
“Natural capital accounting seeks to measure the value of natural resources and ecosystems to support better planning and decision-making,” said the Ministry.
On carbon trading, the Ministry said work was under way to finalise the legal framework and registration processes to enable Zimbabwe to commence trading.
“The Ministry expresses its appreciation for UNDP’s technical expertise and support, the partnership is important in advancing the country’s development priorities,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the collaboration as Zimbabwe seeks to build resilience and promote sustainable development.
