Harare (New Ziana) –The Zimbabwe government is committed to reducing the vulnerability of citizens to climate change and creating an enabling environment for mitigating its effects, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He said this while addressing delegates attending the second Climate Change and Development Conference in Harare on Wednesday.
“As the nation grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by a changing climate, Zimbabwe is committed to reducing vulnerability and creating an enabling environment that not only addresses the effects of climate change, but also empowers our communities to adapt.
“Adapting to climate change is not just a priority, it is an imperative. Every day, we witness the repercussions of climate change on our ecosystems, economies, and people. Our strategies must be proactive, ensuring that we are prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead,” he said.
VP Chiwenga outlined the government’s approach through the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which identifies critical sectors such as agriculture, water, human settlement, and tourism, among others.
“We are acutely aware that an estimated $10.3 billion is required between now and 2030 to climate-proof these sectors through cooperative interventions.”
“This significant investment underscores the necessity for public-private partnerships and collaboration across various stakeholders to effectively mainstream climate change issues,” he said.
He drew attention to the direct consequences of climate change on Zimbabwe’s agricultural activities saying, “We should all be aware of the severity of climate change impacts on our agricultural activities.
It is not merely an environmental issue, it is a multi-faceted crisis that disproportionately affects our most vulnerable populations.”
Speaking at the same event, United Nations Resident Coordinator to Zimbabwe, Edward Kallon emphasized the need for dialogue and collaborative action to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
He highlighted the importance of platforms that foster discussion and innovation as an essential venue for exchanging ideas and launching initiatives that bolster climate resilience programs across the region.
“We have not lost the battle against climate change. The world has to work together to find lasting solutions.”
“The timing couldn’t be better to have this conference as we near COP (Conference of Parties) 29,” he said.
Kallon pointed out that women and children are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts and urged policymakers to place these vulnerable groups at the center of climate strategies and plans.
The conference served as a rallying point for stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector, all united in a shared commitment to addressing climate change.
Resolutions from the conference will be presented by Team Zimbabwe at the COP 29 conference to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to the 22nd of November this year.
New Ziana