Latest news with #ClimateandWildlife
Zawya
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
As Wetlands COP15 opens in Zimbabwe, it's time to rethink how we value wetlands
Hon. Dr Evelyn Ndlovu (center), Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Republic of Zimbabwe and Secretary General Musonda Mumba (right) speak at a press conference ahead of the #WetlandsCOP15, which officially kicks off today in Victoria Convention on Wetlands As Zimbabwe hosts the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15), this location invites a closer look at the role wetlands play in sustaining life, and the decisions now needed to ensure they continue to do so. COP15 arrives at a moment when wetlands—essential for climate resilience, food production, water supply, and biodiversity—are being lost and degraded at a rate that outpaces our responses. According to the Convention's recently released flagship publication, the Global Wetland Outlook 2025, global wetland extent has declined by 22% since 1970, with losses continuing at an average rate of 0.52% per year. Degradation is accelerating: one in four remaining wetlands is now in poor ecological condition, with that proportion rising. Despite these figures, wetlands still provide some of the most valuable and cost-effective solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. They support water security for billions of people, absorb carbon more efficiently than most other ecosystems, and deliver an estimated $7.98 to $39.01 trillion in annual ecosystem services. Yet these contributions remain undervalued in decision-making and underfunded in public and private investment. Zimbabwe knows better than many others just how important wetlands are. Wetlands provide water to more than two-thirds of the population, allowing for agriculture and tourism while buffering against floods and droughts. In response to growing pressures, the Government has implemented stronger legal protections, advanced local restoration initiatives, and deepened public engagement on wetland issues. The recent recognition of Victoria Falls as a Wetland City reflects both local commitment and the kind of urban ecological leadership that can be replicated elsewhere. But national ambition—however strong—cannot substitute for global coordination. Wetlands are shared systems. They cross borders and connect sectors. Protecting them requires cooperation, consistent investment, and a shift in how they are understood: as strategic infrastructure that protects the stability of our economies, health systems, and food supply. The Global Wetland Outlook 2025, sets out the scale of action needed: at least 123 million hectares must be restored to account for past loss, and 428 million hectares of remaining wetlands must be conserved. Doing so will require a major increase in global financing—somewhere between $275 and $550 billion per year —yet current investments fall far below that range. In fact, biodiversity conservation across all ecosystems receives just 0.25% of global GDP. Zimbabwe's hosting of COP15 is both timely and significant. It brings global attention to a region where wetlands are still deeply embedded in the landscape and culture, but also increasingly vulnerable. The conference presents a unique opportunity to prioritise wetlands in the biodiversity and climate agendas, and to align technical, political, and financial systems behind that goal. Africa, home to approximately 40% of the world's remaining wetlands, is well positioned to lead this shift. Many of the continent's wetlands remain ecologically functional, and traditional knowledge of sustainable management practices endures. But external pressures—driven by extractive industries, land-use change, and climate stress—are growing rapidly. Without targeted support, we risk losing these ecosystems for good. COP15 can help turn that tide. The Convention provides a platform for negotiation, as well as strategies, data, policies, and innovations. It is also a place to elevate voices that are often underrepresented—local communities, Indigenous groups, cities, and young people—who are already shaping the future of wetland stewardship on the ground. This meeting in Victoria Falls will not solve every problem. But it can set a new trajectory. Decisions made here have the potential to ripple outward, shaping how wetlands are valued and governed across continents. Rivers rarely follow straight lines, and neither does meaningful change. But when enough tributaries converge, that momentum can become difficult to ignore. It's a life lesson that wetlands have taught us, and perhaps now the world is finally ready to listen. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh highlights Indian diaspora's contribution to Zimbabwe's economy
Harare [Zimbabwe], June 29 (ANI): Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh held talks with the Indian diaspora in Zimbabwe where he recognised their contribution to the country's economy. Singh on Saturday also congratulated them for preserving Indian culture there. In a post on X, he said, 'Contribution of Indian community in Zimbabwe's society and economy is well recognised. I congratulated them for preserving values of Indian cultural ethos and also for being peaceful, prosperous and integral part of Zimbabwean social life.' The Indian embassy in Zimbabwe stated in a post on X, 'Hon. MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh interacted with Indian community in Zimbabwe at a community reception organized by the Indian Embassy in Harare. He appreciated them for preserving Indian cultural ethos while integrating into Zimbabwean society.' Earlier in the day, he met Evelyn Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife of Zimbabwe in Harare. In a post on X, he said, 'Pleased to meet HE Ms. Evelyn Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife of Zimbabwe in Harare. We agreed to collaborate to conserve wildlife and the environment through the exchange of best practices, and also work together to mitigate the challenges of climate change.' The Indian Embassy in Zimbabwe said, 'Hon. MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh met with Hon. Ms. Evelyn Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife of Zimbabwe in Harare. They discussed to work on conserving wildlife and the environment through the exchange of best practices.' Singh paid courtesy call on Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, where they discussed ways to deepen bilateral relations. In a post on X, Zimbabwe's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said, 'This afternoon, H.E. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa met with India's visiting Minister of State for External Affairs, Hon. Kirti Vardhan Singh, at State House, where they discussed ways to deepen bilateral relations. Zimbabwe and India are intensifying their bilateral cooperation, focusing on expanding trade, improving healthcare support, and promoting industrial development and investment.' MoS' visit to Zimbabwe is expected to further strengthen India's strong bilateral relations with the country. (ANI)
Daily Maverick
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Novel carbon credits initiative gives Zimbabwe an edge, but concerns remain over cost barriers
A new blockchain-based carbon credit registry could have 'profound' implications, but the costs are prohibitive and the risks of greenwashing remain. Zimbabwe's establishment in May of a regulatory body and launch of a blockchain-based platform for carbon credits – the first of its kind worldwide – has received plaudits from some experts, who say the move will enhance transparency and also make the southern African country a leader in the burgeoning field. However, some are wary that high costs will deter investment. Carbon credits, also known as carbon offsets, are tradeable units in the form of a certificate or permit that represents the emission, reduction or removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere in exchange for a monetary payment. There are two main types of carbon credit, namely compliance credits, which are issued under regulated carbon markets, and voluntary credits, which are largely unregulated. Zimbabwe's digital platform has three components, which include the general website for the Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority, which oversees all issues related to carbon credits, and the Zimbabwe Carbon Registry, in compliance with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This requires parties participating in the new market mechanism to have a national registry or have access to a registry to track all the carbon credits generated within their jurisdiction. A third component of the platform, which the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife says is still under development, is the marketplace that will allow buyers to directly purchase credits from the Zimbabwe Carbon Registry, 'eliminating the need for third-party brokers, thereby ensuring that project developers accrue the maximum benefits possible'. In response to questions on the initiative, permanent secretary in the ministry Tadeus Chifamba told Daily Maverick, 'This is critical in making sure that carbon credits generated in Zimbabwe are of the highest quality and standards and fetch the highest possible price on the international market, thereby maximising benefits for the country and communities.' 'Profound implications' According to global carbon market players, Zimbabwe is ranked the third-largest contributor of carbon credits in Africa, providing nearly 13%, behind Kenya and Gabon. In 2023, the government cancelled carbon credit projects and compelled operators to re-register, demanding up to 50% of revenue, following reports of fraudulent activities by a local project, Carbon Green Africa, which was sponsored by Swiss-based South Pole, one of the world's biggest project development firms. Under the new system, Zimbabwe becomes the first country to do away with the issuance and use of voluntary credits, transitioning to a compliance-only market by 2026, but credits issued in the country can still be used for voluntary purposes, with the proviso that they must comply with the higher quality assurance and accountability measures of the compliance market. Kudakwashe Manyanga is the founder and CEO of the Africa Institute for Carbon Trading and an industry expert. He told Daily Maverick that while the global carbon credit market has largely been voluntary, establishing a robust regulatory framework 'can provide necessary oversight and legitimacy'. 'A blockchain-based system can help ensure that carbon credits are genuinely produced, verified and retired, thereby increasing the integrity of the market and potentially attracting more participants. The implications for Zimbabwe could be profound. 'By implementing a well-regulated carbon market with a transparent registry, Zimbabwe is likely to attract both local and international investments in carbon reduction projects. Investors are increasingly seeking assurance that their contributions lead to tangible environmental benefits. A credible carbon registry could enhance Zimbabwe's attractiveness as a destination for climate finance, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable development in the region.' Mnanyanga, however, said the high fees associated with participating in the market were prohibitive and could sideline community-based projects, which he said often lacked adequate funding. The Statutory Instrument on Carbon trading regulations [ S.I. 48 Carbon Trading (General) Regulations of 2025 ] sets out various fees required for participation in the industry. For instance, there are three project categories. The registration fee for the biggest project is US$20,000, the second-biggest is $15,000 and the third-biggest is $10,000. There are other fees, including a first-time registration fee as a project developer, which is set at $5,000 for foreigners and $2,500 for locals. Greenwashing risks Michael Musgrave, of Newt Natural Capital, an advisory firm, is an academic and expert in carbon finance. He agrees that the costs involved in Zimbabwe's new system are prohibitive and says that in an industry which does not yet have many experts, overregulation is not the answer to ensuring that problems like greenwashing – a practice in which corporates may make unsubstantiated claims that their products are environmentally friendly or have greater positive environmental impact than they really do – do not occur. 'There are barriers in place in terms of regulation and certification, and government regulations introducing another layer of costs just make carbon credits less viable. The problems around monitoring, reporting and verification are not unique to Zimbabwe or Africa; they are problems that every carbon project experiences and we need as an industry to solve the problems globally, or at least on the continent, by training or upskilling people and having more expertise applied to the implementation of these projects, not by introducing more regulations. 'I really don't see that as a way of reducing greenwashing. There is a role for government to play, but I think it is a small regulatory role that should be well thought out and avoid the approach of just saying, 'well, everybody else is making money and we are not making money and therefore we will introduce regulations that enable us to make money. The justification is that they are looking out for the interests of Zimbabweans, but this is hardly the case.' The Centre for Natural Resource Governance is a local environmental advocacy group. In its statement on the latest development, the civic organisation also bemoaned that upfront fees required to establish and maintain carbon credit projects could be a hurdle for Zimbabwean businesses and organisations, saying that a lack of financial resources might limit their ability to invest in renewable energy projects or implement carbon emissions reduction strategies. 'Despite the potential financial windfalls that can accrue from carbon trading, we must state that it remains a false solution to climate change and is subject to manipulation by the private sector. Governments can also generate massive revenues for and on behalf of communities without ever ensuring the benefits extend to the communities,' the organisation said. 'National asset' Permanent secretary Chifamba dismissed concerns that the costs were a barrier to entry and that local communities were disadvantaged, saying the regulations actually protected communities 'from prejudice of the past', under the voluntary trade, which he said lacked transparency. 'It costs money for the government of Zimbabwe to assess proposed projects before approval or rejection in line with internationally set environmental integrity, social safeguards and sustainable development guidelines. The government cannot be expected to take money from treasury to subsidise profit-making project developers. 'Additionally, the export of carbon credits should be recognised as the export of any other asset, such as gold, diamonds or platinum and should be subject to royalties and export taxes by the government. These are national assets which belong to all Zimbabweans and there should be a mechanism to ensure that treasury or a designated national fund set out for the purposes of addressing climate change benefits from a certain percentage of the share of proceeds,' he said. Dr Francis Vorhies, the director of Stellenbosch University's African Wildlife Economy Institute and a research associate at the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at Oxford University, told Daily Maverick that the distribution of revenue from carbon credits was a domestic issue. He believed that in Zimbabwe, the arrangements between government, business and landowners, as well as local communities, could be discussed and debated robustly for the benefit of all parties. Dr Vorhies said that while the initiative could give Zimbabwe a competitive edge because of its technical sophistication, which could guarantee transparency, Zimbabwe's global image could be a setback. 'The country does not have the best of reputations for doing business, and so investors may fear that such a state-run mechanism risks being too burdensome and too costly, and thus stay away.' DM
