Tinaye Agere
Harmony Agere
ZIMBABWE, in partnership with other countries in the region, remains committed to playing its role in addressing multiple environmental crises such as pollution and climate change, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Acting Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has said.
Speaking at the 2024 SADC region World Environmental Day commemorations hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at Geo Pomona Waste Management site on Wednesday, Minister Ndlovu said most environmental crises are caused by human activity.
“The world is facing three major planetary environmental crises which are biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change, all driven by human activities,” he said.
“The Global Environmental Facility, led by various UN agencies, is a testimony to developing international partnerships to address these common challenges. Zimbabwe is committed to playing its role in addressing multiple environmental crises for the great good of the world and our country.”
UNEP Head of Southern Africa Sub Regional Office, Meseret Teklemariam Zemedkun said the El Nino-induced drought affecting Zimbabwe and other countries in the SDAC region shows the need for regional cooperation.
“I would like to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for accepting to host this historic event. We are also really grateful to the SADC Secretariat for joining forces with UNEP for this regional event.
“Several southern African countries, including Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia, have been affected by the El Nino induced drought. I think this shows that there is a need for regional cooperation in tackling environmental issues.”
Geo Pomona Waste Management Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dilesh Nguwaya said the waste treatment site is a symbol of Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
“Where you are seated today was once a vast and unmanaged dumpsite which caused serious environmental and health hazards to the entire city of Harare,” he said.
“Since the takeover of this waste management site in 2022, the company has led a tremendous environmental revolution, which gives value to why we are all gathered here.”
Mr Nguwaya said his organization will continue collaborating with Government and UN agencies.
“The outbreak of uncontrolled fires on the site is now a thing of the past,” he said.
“Aligning United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is a point of pride for Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited.”
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon thanked Mr Nguwaya and Geo Pomona Waste Management for the support.
“Our appreciation extends to Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, the CEO and Executive Chairman of Geo Pomona Waste Management and his team for their support and for hosting us at this impressive waste management site,” he said.
“With up to 40 percent of the planet’s land degraded, directly impacting half of the world’s population, and the number and duration of droughts increasing by 29 percent since 2000, urgent action is needed.
“Droughts could affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050. The impact on our region is evident, with severe droughts, floods, and the devastating Cyclone Idai affecting millions and causing over USD1 trillion in damages since 1990.”
Online Reporter