Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Biological Diversity, with the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu showcasing the nation’s significant conservation achievements from the iconic Victoria Falls Rainforest, one of the country’s premier biodiversity hotspots.
Dr Ndlovu addressed the press within the lush, mist-fed rainforest where she declared that Zimbabwe has made remarkable strides in biodiversity conservation, anchored by a modernised legislative framework.
This year’s theme is: Acting Locally for Global Impact.
Dr Ndlovu said the theme deeply resonates with Zimbabwe’s journey of translating local action into meaningful global contributions.
She highlighted key milestones, including Cabinet’s recent approval of the revised Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14], which modernises wildlife protection and pollution control.
She noted that the 3rd National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the National Wildlife Policy, approved in early 2026, now provide a comprehensive roadmap aligning national efforts with global conservation targets.
“These policies ensure that Zimbabwe’s conservation initiatives are backed by clear legal mandates, nurturing a clean, safe, and healthy environment for both protected species and the communities that coexist with them,” Dr Ndlovu said.
She celebrated that more than 20 percent of Zimbabwe’s land surface is now under conservation.
She said the recent hosting of the Ramsar COP15 in Victoria Falls, stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to wetlands management as biodiversity hotspots.
Zimbabwe is also aggressively pursuing a biodiversity economy initiative under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2, 2026-2030), targeting a 10 percent contribution to GDP by 2030 through wildlife, forestry, blue economy, biotrade, and payment for ecosystem services.
“Acting locally through frameworks like biotrade, access and benefit-sharing and investments in bioprocessing hubs enables us to create global impact, exporting sustainable products that meet international standards and combat poverty,” Dr Ndlovu said.
She announced that Zimbabwe will host its inaugural Biodiversity Economy Indaba before year’s end, bringing together all stakeholders under a whole-of-society approach.
While acknowledging persistent threats from veld fires, land use change, and invasive species, Dr Ndlovu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement against poaching and scaling up climate-smart agriculture.
“Together, let us protect our biodiversity for our posterity and prosperity,” she urged, recognising First Lady Dr Mnangagwa’s unwavering support as the Environment Patron.
