malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
Cabinet has approved ratification of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Environmental Management for Sustainable Development in a move aimed at enhancing regional cooperation on environmental management.
The protocol, which is in line with the National Development Strategy 1’s environmental protection pillar, establishes key principles for sustainable development, including cooperation, sovereign rights, public participation and the polluter pays principle.
Addressing a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said once ratified, Zimbabwe will be obliged to implement measures to manage transboundary air pollution, combat desertification, and mitigate environmental impacts on marine and inland water resources.
“The protocol establishes principles derived from the Rio Declaration on Sustainable Development, which include cooperation in good faith among state parties.
“It also looks at participation of all interested parties in environmental governance, resolution of differences amicably, placing the needs of people at the centre of development, the polluter pays principle and extended producer responsibility, among others.
“The protocol applies to all state party activities relating to environmental management,” said Minister Muswere.
“Among others, the protocol places the following obligations on state parties to institute measures to manage and control transboundary effects of air pollution, to manage and control transboundary effects of waste and chemicals, to combat desertification and land degradation, and implement sustainable land management practices, to mitigate adverse environmental impacts on marine and coastal environments as well as inland water resources.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter