Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Reporter
THE Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and its stakeholders have identified enhanced climate resilience, sustainable environmental management and natural resource conservation as key priorities under the National Development Strategy (NDS2), a policy blueprint for the next five years to 2030.
Stakeholders in the sector gathered in Bulawayo last week for a Strategic Review and Planning Workshop to set goals that will guide the ministry in the next five years.
Officially opening the workshop last Wednesday, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, said the three priority areas touch on crucial matters that need to be addressed
“We will prioritise climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, including supporting climate-smart agriculture, enhancing early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure development,” she said.
“Further, the ministry should now focus on the finalisation of the outstanding legislation and implementation of the various approved policies and plans.
“The ministry will need to double its efforts in reducing pollution levels through promoting sustainable waste management initiatives. The monthly Presidential clean-up campaigns should also be revitalised to raise awareness on maintaining a clean environment.”
Dr Ndlovu also said there was a need to ensure that the country`s wetlands are preserved and protected as they are a source of biodiversity conservation, livelihood support and flood control.
She said the ministry was concerned about the increased occupation of wetlands for the construction of both industries and houses in major cities.
“There is a need for the ministry and its agencies to strengthen their efforts to build a wildlife economy anchored on strong community engagement in wildlife conservation. “Concerted efforts should also be put in protecting and conserving our threatened ecosystems for both economic and social benefits,” said Dr Ndlovu.
She chronicled some successes registered during NDS1, which she said the 2026-2030 goals should be built on.
Dr Ndlovu said notable achievements include improved solid waste management in Harare through the establishment of the Geo Pomona Waste Management Plant.
“As we gather here today, we are not just planning for the future, we are shaping the destiny of our nation as we march towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030,” she said.
“Under NDS1, our ministry has made significant strides in promoting environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable wildlife management.
“We have implemented policies and programmes that have contributed to the conservation of our natural resources, enhanced climate resilience, and promoted sustainable livelihoods for our communities.” Dr Ndlovu said Government has also witnessed remarkable growth in key species, including rhinos and elephants signifying a healthy ecosystem.
She said the ministry also implemented several projects on climate adaptation and climate resilience in the agriculture, water and energy sectors.
“The ministry also witnessed the launch of the Carbon Trading Framework, which demonstrates the country’s commitment to respond to climate change challenges,” she said.
Despite these positives, Dr Ndlovu said illegal occupation of gazetted land and conservancies and construction on wetlands remain a challenge.
“The ministry has noted with concern the unwarranted occupation of gazetted lands and conservancies causing massive destruction of our natural vegetation,” she said.
“This has resulted in untold land degradation and biodiversity loss, which has severe effects on the survival of our ecosystem and local communities.
“The ministry is also concerned by the increased occupation of wetlands for the construction of both industries and houses in major cities,” said Dr Ndlovu.
She said bold action will be undertaken to address some of these challenges as they affect critical areas like water, energy, and agriculture.
“The impacts of climate change are also being felt across various sectors including agriculture, water resources, energy hence the urgent need to take bold action to address these challenges. “The nation also remains confronted with the high levels of deforestation as it continues to lose vast tracts of forests due to high demand for wood fuel for tobacco curing,” said Dr Ndlovu.
“The ministry has also noted with concern the unwarranted occupation of gazetted lands and conservancies, causing massive destruction of our natural vegetation.
“This has resulted in untold land degradation and biodiversity loss, which has severe effects on the survival of our ecosystem and local communities.”
