Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Government has issued a stern warning against the rampant deforestation and illegal settlements on protected lands, describing them as a severe threat to the nation’s ecosystem.
Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Evelyn Ndlovu said government was also concerned by increased occupation of wetlands for the construction of both industries and houses in major cities.
She said this while officially opening the Ministry’s 2025 strategic planning workshop here.
“The Ministry will need to double its efforts in reducing pollution levels through promoting sustainable waste management initiatives,” she said.
“The Monthly Presidential Clean Up campaigns should also be revitalized as a tool to raise awareness on maintaining a clean environment.
There is need to ensure that our wetlands are preserved and protected across the country as they are a source of biodiversity conservation, livelihood support and flood control,” she said.
Ndlovu called for the finalization of outstanding legislation, and the enforcement of bylaws, to protect wetlands.
She said government remained committed to environmental sustainability and climate resilience as it was the cornerstone of the country`s journey to an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
She also cited some significant achievements under the National Development Strategy1(NDS1) which includes a remarkable recovery in rhino and elephant populations, the success of the Geo Pomona Waste Management plant, and ground-breaking Joint Venture Agreements for national parks.
“We had a remarkable growth in keystone species including rhinos and elephants signifying a healthy ecosystem. Improved solid waste management in Harare through the establishment of the Geo Pomona Waste Management Plant was achieved,” Ndlovu said.
“We also had successful Joint Venture Agreements for flagship parks like Matusadonha, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, and Chizarira National Parks, improving their infrastructure and conservation status.
“There were also significant enhancements in weather forecasting and early warning systems through the installation of automatic weather stations, providing critical data for agriculture and disaster preparedness,” she added.
She also pointed to the successful hosting of major international events, such as the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) conference and the RAMSAR COP15, as evidence of the country`s growing leadership on the global environmental stage.
Despite the progress, Ndlovu highlighted that there were challenges confronting the country.
“Despite some progress, climate change remains a pervasive threat to the economy and human well-being and condemned the high levels of deforestation driven by demand for wood fuel,” she said.
Ndlovu said under the NDS2, her Ministry will prioritise climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts including supporting climate smart agriculture, enhancing early warning systems and climate resilient infrastructure development.
She also said there is need for the Ministry and its agencies to strengthen their efforts to build a wildlife economy anchored on strong community engagement.
“There (is) need for concerted efforts to protect threatened ecosystems,” she said.
Ndlovu implored players in the sector to desist from any form of corruption in order to earn stakeholder confidence and attract funding for projects and programmes.
New Ziana
