Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has assumed the chairmanship of the African Group at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Conference of the Parties, taking responsibility for steering the continent’s priorities on drought, land degradation and desertification over the next two years.
The chairmanship, which was formally handed over as COP17 drew to a close in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, last week, will run until the conclusion of COP18 in Egypt in 2028.
Zimbabwe will also chair the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC), giving the country a key role in reviewing progress, monitoring implementation and shaping policy discussions on the continent’s response to land degradation and drought.
In a statement read on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, by the Ministry’s Director for Environment, Mr Edward Samuriwo, Zimbabwe expressed gratitude to Côte d’Ivoire for its leadership of the African Group since COP16.
Minister Ndlovu said the country regarded the responsibility as a “sacred trust” entrusted to it by all African member states.
“Accepting the role as a sacred trust extended by 54 African member states, Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to advancing the continent’s collective priorities with unity, discipline, and resolve,” she said.
The new leadership comes at a time when African countries are facing increasing pressure from drought, land degradation, desertification and climate variability, with the impacts threatening food production, livelihoods and natural resources.
Minister Ndlovu said one of the key priorities during Zimbabwe’s tenure would be to push for the conclusion of outstanding negotiations, particularly efforts to secure a legally binding Drought Protocol under the UNCCD.
It will also seek to help conclude negotiations on the Convention’s future strategic plan, which is expected to guide global efforts to combat desertification, land degradation and drought.
“Over the next two years, Zimbabwe’s central priority will be driving negotiations to finalise the unfinished business of the continent, chiefly securing a legally binding Drought Protocol and concluding the Convention’s future strategic plan,” Minister Ndlovu said.
The country’s assumption of the African Group leadership also provides an opportunity to amplify Africa’s call for stronger international action and support to build resilience in communities that depend heavily on vulnerable ecosystems.
At COP17, Zimbabwe promoted an integrated, community-led approach to restoring degraded forests, rangelands and agricultural landscapes, stressing that environmental restoration should be accompanied by measures that strengthen rural livelihoods.
The approach brings together the management of forests, agriculture, livestock and communities, reflecting the interconnected nature of land degradation, food security and livelihoods.
Zimbabwe is implementing this approach through its Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme, which operates across eight districts and 44 wards in the Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.
The programme seeks to restore degraded landscapes while supporting communities to diversify their livelihoods through activities including traditional grain production, small livestock, honey production and processing of indigenous resources.
The country has also been advocating greater participation by communities in decisions concerning natural resources, with officials arguing that sustainable land management requires a balance between environmental protection and the needs of people who depend on natural resources.
The new African Group chairmanship gives Zimbabwe an opportunity to elevate these issues within continental negotiations as it works with member states and diplomatic partners towards COP18.
Minister Ndlovu said Zimbabwe would work closely with all African member states and international partners to advance shared priorities and secure tangible environmental outcomes.
“Zimbabwe looks forward to collaborating closely with all member states and diplomatic partners to champion Africa’s shared interests and secure impactful environmental outcomes leading up to COP18,” she said.
