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In an interview last Thursday, Environmental and Natural Resources Management Minister Francis Nhema, who is part of the delegation accompanying the President, said the conference would review progress since 1992.
He said Zimbabwe would reaffirm its commitment to utilising its resources sustainably, adding that it was imperative for the world to collaborate on environmental concerns.
So far, Zimbabwe is concentrating on alternative energy sources and afforestation as part of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, he added.
“The significance of this conference is that 20 years after the last conference in Rio, we are going to review the progress made on the commitments made back then,” he said.
“We will also analyse efforts made by the world in mitigation and adaptation with regards to the changes in the environment. We are going to tell the world that it is evident now that we must work as one because environmental issues do not affect countries, but continents.
“We have constant reminders in the form of hurricanes, floods and droughts, among others. Our rainfall patterns in Zimbabwe have caused droughts, a situation that
threatens food security and bids us to adapt and find mitigation measures.”
Minister Nhema said a “green economy” could only be attained if countries upheld agreed conventions.
He said it was, therefore, important for developed nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Kyoto Protocol.
The protocol sets internationally-binding targets for industrialised nations to cut the emissions, while the “green economy” concept essentially focuses on creating environmentally-friendly economies that conserve natural resources and reduce pollution.
Sustainable development, on the other hand, deals with balancing human requirements and environmental protection.
“We believe these emissions (from industrialised countries) are continuing unabated. So, we remind them to abide by agreements. Furthermore, we want to remind developed countries to fund developing countries and that technology transfer should be free.
“Historically, it has been their obligation because they are largely responsible for carbon emissions . . . We also remind the world to treat climate change with the urgency it deserves.”
Rio+20 is expected to discuss several broad areas that include energy, water, food security, jobs, cities, oceans and disasters, all of which are considered key to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
On energy, the conference will discuss moves to promote the uptake of energy sources that minimise pollution of the environment.
It will also examine methods of improving access to safe water and ensuring food production and consumption do not negatively affect the environment.
An action plan as well as employment creation policies are also expected to come under the spotlight.
African countries have already agreed to stand guided by the Africa Consensus Statement to Rio+20, which was adopted by environment ministers and approved by the African Union last year.
The document calls on developed countries to fulfil previous commitments to assist Africa’s drive towards sustainable development.
The continent is pushing for them to commit to a second period under the Kyoto Protocol from next year to 2017. It is also seeking cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2017.
In addition, it wants industrialised nations to provide “appropriate additional and long-term financing, technology and capacity-building support to enable developing nations to face the adverse effects of climate change”.
Online Reporter