Sharleen Mohammed
ZIMBABWE is taking steps to reduce the effects of climate change, which is causing problems like droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns.
Speaking at a workshop recently held for lawmakers, Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni said: “We are working on strengthening policy and institutional frameworks on climate change as part of the domestication process.”
The country has ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement and has developed a National Climate Policy, a National Climate Change Response Strategy, and a Low Emissions Development Strategy.
“As a result of climate change, seasons have shifted, rainfall is no longer reliable, and there is an incessant increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events,” said Minister Nyoni.
She added: “This calls for government to put in place measures to protect the environment and trigger real climate action with potential to help people to adapt and build climate resilience.”
The government has also established a carbon credit framework and has received expressions of interest from project proponents wanting to participate in the Zimbabwe carbon market.
“To date, we have received 33 expressions of interest from project proponents wanting to participate in the Zimbabwe carbon market,” Minister Nyoni revealed.
The Minister added that the country is also working on a Climate Change Management Bill, which will be presented to Parliament soon.
