Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub
Rural Local Authorities have been urged to take a central role in the fast-evolving carbon markets, with Government emphasising their unique position in driving sustainable development, creating green jobs and bolstering climate resilience.
Speaking at the two day Carbon Markets Indaba for Rural Local Authorities, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said the theme — “Sustainable Future: Empowering Rural Communities Through Carbon Trading” — underscored the need for active involvement by rural districts in showcasing, aligning and recalibrating policies, strategies, regulations and practices that can deliver both environmental stewardship and economic benefits.
“It emphasises collaboration, innovation and the unique role rural areas can play in achieving broader climate goals,” said Dr Ndlovu.
The indaba is the first since government took over regulation of local carbon market in 2023.
She noted that she is acutely aware of the pressing climate and environmental challenges facing communities, but was inspired by the level of collective determination to confront them head-on.
She told delegates that the reality of climate change, continued deforestation a and biodiversity loss is in itself an urgent call to action.
“Collective initiatives not only bring diverse expertise and perspectives but also leverage the much-needed innovative climate finance.
“For instance, I am proud to highlight Zimbabwe’s Green Climate Fund Country Programme, which promotes investments in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
” This initiative has already started demonstrating promising results, enabling several communities to transform towards cleaner energy sources, creating green jobs and reducing vulnerability to climate impacts,” she said.
Carbon credits are tradable permits allowing the holder to emit a defined amount of greenhouse gases, with each credit equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide have emerged as a critical tool in climate-positive investment.
Countries, companies and organisations can trade these credits to offset emissions, fuelling a growing international market for sustainable projects.
In a concept note for the workshop, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife stressed that integrating rural authorities into carbon trading was part of the Government’s broader climate change strategy in response to the rising frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, tropical cyclones and mid-season dry spells.
“Over the years, the Ministry has spearheaded a Climate Change Mainstreaming Capacity-Building Programme for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of the National Climate Change Adaptation Planning process to ensure climate change is mainstreamed in planning and budgetary processes,” the ministry said.
Officials added that global carbon markets are “evolving at a fast pace, challenging governments to develop strong policies, regulatory and institutional frameworks able to thrive in such a highly dynamic environment.”
Experts say rural communities, with their vast land, natural resources and proximity to key ecosystems, are well-placed to host projects that reduce emissions or absorb carbon from the atmosphere from reforestation to renewable energy.
Harnessing these opportunities could inject much-needed revenue into rural economies while advancing Zimbabwe’s climate commitments.
