Vusumuzi Dube
Sunday News Reporter
ZIMBABWE has taken up a key role in global climate governance with the recent appointment of Mr Washington Zhakata as the Vice Board Chair of the Adaptation Fund under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
This prominent position, housed at the World Bank highlights Zimbabwe’s growing influence in international climate discussions and its dedication to combating climate-related challenges.
In a statement, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife congratulated Mr Zhakata, emphasising that his new role reflects his steadfast commitment and significant contributions to climate action locally and globally.
“As Mr Washington Zhakata embarks on this new chapter, we wish him every success during his tenure. We look forward to his guidance and vision as we collectively strive towards a sustainable future, ensuring our communities are well-equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change,” the ministry stated.
Founded in 2001, the Adaptation Fund supports essential adaptation projects in developing countries that are vulnerable to climate change impacts. Since its inception, the fund has allocated over US$1.2 billion to more than 176 localized projects, benefiting approximately 45 million people in the most affected communities worldwide.
A noteworthy innovation of the fund is its direct access mechanism, which enables countries to manage and implement adaptation initiatives independently through accredited national entities.
Currently serving as the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Zhakata brings decades of experience in climate science and policy to his new position.
He has been instrumental in advancing Zimbabwe’s climate resilience efforts, securing funding for two significant climate adaptation projects, each valued at US$5 million. One project, implemented by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), aims to enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe.
The other project, developed in collaboration with UNESCO, focuses on improving local communities’ capacity to adapt by increasing groundwater exploitation. With these initiatives in motion, an additional US$10 million remains available for Zimbabwe, promising further climate adaptation opportunities under Mr Zhakata’s leadership.
Mr Zhakata holds a Master of Science degree in Atmospheric Physics and possesses extensive experience in climate change negotiations. His career includes roles with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board, where he specialized in carbon trading and climate finance. Additionally, he serves as the Vice Chair of the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe, reflecting his multifaceted involvement in environmental governance. His tenure as a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe and participation on various boards further demonstrate his commitment to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in environmental science.
“This appointment is a testament to Zimbabwe’s commitment to addressing climate change and its impacts on vulnerable communities,” said Mr Zhakata.
“I am honoured to take on this vital role and look forward to strengthening partnerships and advancing innovative approaches to climate adaptation at the global level.”
As Zimbabwe navigates the complexities of climate change, Mr Zhakata’s leadership on the Adaptation Fund Board represents a significant opportunity for the nation to bolster its resilience and meaningfully contribute to the international climate agenda.
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