“After deliberating on background papers presented at a recent workshop, members of parliament unanimously agreed to work towards a comprehensive climate change policy,” said Shepherd Zvigadza, Director of the Zimbabwe Environmental Regional Organization .
The Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers highlighted the legal framework and policy implications of climate change in Zimbabwe.
“Despite having the National Environment Policy and the Environmental Management Act addressing environmental challenges, climate change is now a topical and critical national issue that deserves to be seriously considered,” said Mutuso Dhliwayo, the Director of ZELA, adding that this policy would provide guidance and direction, especially when seeking funding from bi-lateral and multilateral agencies and also on the current international climate change negotiations.
Dhliwayo further noted the need to adopt a rights-based approach in order to add value to policy formulation, and incorporate sustainable ways of doing development work and programme planning.
Dr Leonard Unganai, noted that there was need not only to look at climate change in negative terms but also to seek opportunities that may emerge. There is an information gap in terms of collection and dissemination of information between policy makers and communities, especially through indigenous languages.
Edward Chindori-Chininga, chair of the Mines and Mining Development Portfolio Committee, noted that it was critical to prioritize development interests and proper planning.
“For instance, adopting and mainstreaming indigenous knowledge systems in current development work are critical,“ he said, adding that the bottom up approach based on insights provided by local communities was the right path to follow in planning and implementing development work.
Patrick Zhuwawo said he was concerned with the angle and perspective that developing countries are often portrayed in global social and environmental studies. He noted that there is need to look positively at climate change issues with a positive mind.
Other legislators queried the need or logic of settling people in flooded areas or vleis as was observed on the video shot in Dzivarasekwa Extension. They observed that local communities need to be extensively consulted before such projects are carried out as they are endowed with rich information and knowledge about their areas.
Post published in: Environment