THE 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 voiced the government’s concern over the increased occupation of wetlands for the construction of both industries and houses in major cities.
She made these remarks while officially opening the Ministry’s 2025 strategic planning workshop in Bulawayo last week. Ndlovu emphasised the need to intensify efforts to protect the environment.
“The ministry will need to double its efforts in reducing pollution levels through promoting sustainable waste management initiatives.” She also called for the revitalisation of the monthly presidential clean-up campaigns to raise environmental awareness.
“There is a 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 finalisation of outstanding legislation and the enforcement of by-laws to protect wetlands. She affirmed the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience as the cornerstone of the country’s journey to an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
The minister cited significant achievements under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), including a remarkable recovery in rhino and elephant populations, signifying a healthy ecosystem; and improved solid waste management in Harare through the establishment of the Geo Pomona Waste Management Plant.
She also spoke about the successful joint venture agreements for flagship parks like Matusadonha, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, and Chizarira National Parks, improving their infrastructure and conservation status; and significant enhancements in weather forecasting and early warning systems through the installation of automatic weather stations.
The minister 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 climate change remained a pervasive threat to the economy and human wellbeing, and she condemned the high levels of deforestation driven by demand for wood fuel.
Looking ahead, Ndlovu said her ministry would prioritise climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts under the NDS2, including supporting climate-smart agriculture; enhancing early warning systems; and developing climate-resilient infrastructure. She also called for the ministry and its agencies to strengthen efforts to build a wildlife economy anchored on strong community engagement, stressing “there is a need for concerted efforts to protect threatened ecosystems”.
Ndlovu implored players in the sector to desist from any form of corruption to earn stakeholder confidence and attract funding for projects and programmes. — New Ziana