Chief Chundu jerks government to address challenge of veld fires

By Nhau Mangirazi Harare – The Zimbabwe government has agreed to take punitive measures to curb veld fires after Chief Chundu raised the issue with information minister Monica Mutsvagwa who promised action to address the major challenge affecting the environment. Chief Abel Mbasera Chundu said this during the Senate sitting under Oral Answers to Questions…

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GCA, Invesco investment collaboration strategy focused on climate adaptation

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) signed its first cooperation agreement with the EMEA division of Invesco focused on an investment strategy in the climate adaptation space. The agreement, expected to become fully operational at COP27, is specifically targeted at exploring a blended finance strategy that aims to increase adaptation investment in developing markets. The…

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Ending AIDS by 2030: ICASA to focus on other epidemics, morbidities

Dr. David Parirenyatwa, the President of the Society for AIDS in Africa has said that the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) 2023 will focus on other epidemics and morbidities like cancer TB, malaria, and other emerging pandemics including COVID-19. He made the remarks at a Harare hotel today during the official…

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Sound communication key in disaster management, climate change mitigation

By Nhau Mangirazi There is a need for sound communication as it remains key to climate change mitigation and disaster management on environmental issues affecting communities. According to National Environment Action Plan, (NEAP), the impacts of pending disasters can be significantly reduced if there are sound communication platforms. The 72-page document that is under scrutiny…

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Medcom Foundation supports disadvantaged children in Manicaland province

By Wallace Mawire Medcom Foundation has come to the rescue of disadvantaged children in Zimbabwe’s marginalsed communities by providing much-needed support for educational advancement. William Mtisi, Executive Chairman of Medcom said that the foundation is paying school fees for two pupils in the Manicaland province of Zimbabwe. Support is being offered to Richard Shonga, a…

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ACRA receives EUR 3 million from the Skills Initiative for Africa

“This funding will help ACRA address resistance to change with regards to the implementation of environmentally sustainable natural refrigerants, support the academy in becoming a centre of excellence in Africa as well as further develop food security by maintaining the cold chain,” Mr. Grant Laidlaw, ACRA Managing Director at the project launch on 14 October…

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NEAP must recognise wetlands as mainstay of water bodies

By Nhau Mangirazi Hurungwe –  National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) must recognize wetlands as the mainstay of water bodies, helping communities and biodiversity. Karoi Residents Trust (Karest) director, Travo Chiwanga said there is a need for local authorities to protect the wetlands in rural, towns, municipalities, and cities in the country. Of late, a majority of…

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Reduce the negative human impact on biodiversity: Environment Minister

Hon. Mangaliso Ndhlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry has called on stakeholders to address the challenge of biodiversity that is presently being lost at unprecedented rates largely due to human-driven activities and the impact of climate change. He made the call during a Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on the Convention on Biological…

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FAO integrates biodiversity into agriculture to ensure food security

By Hillary Munedzi The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has underscored the critical importance of mainstreaming biodiversity across agriculture sectors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There were calls to place emphasis on SDG 2 on Zero Hunger, SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, SDG 13 on climate change,…

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Renewable energy to cushion industry and agricultural sectors from power crisis

By Sowell Chikwari Industry and agriculture sectors have been urged to optimise resources by adopting clean energy solutions as a panacea to the power crisis which has paralyzed large-scale industrial operations and commercial farming. In an agro-based economy experiencing acute power challenges, renewable energy-powered irrigation infrastructure is crucial for agricultural productivity. Zimbabwe has average solar…

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Deal with GBV perpetrators: Girls Collective

BY Nhau Mangirazi Girls Collective – a civil society coalition fighting for girls’ rights and justice has called on the government to deal with perpetrators of violence against girls. In a statement following the death of Nokutenda Hwaramba (15) who died while giving birth at a shrine in Bikita, the umbrella body says suspects must…

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Go beyond rhetoric in gender mainstreaming: PAP President Charumbira

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira has told global Parliamentarians gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 145th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), to go beyond rhetoric and utilize their budgetary powers to fast-track gender equality and mainstreaming around the world. The leader of the African continental Parliament made the call…

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Brick moulding a serious threat to environment

By Nhau Mangirazi Illegal farm brick moulding is affecting the environment and water bodies which will have a great impact on sustainable development and water management. These were some key issues submitted during National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) consultative meeting in Hurungwe. Hurungwe rural district official, Obey Makupo, suggested that brick moulding is affecting the…

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KAZA TFCA ministers consider diversification for a resilient tourism sector

The Ministers responsible for coordinating matters of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area ( KAZA TFCA) from Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and Botswana met in Katima Mulilo, Namibia yesterday the 13th of October 2022. The Zimbabwean Minister Hon Ngobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu was represented by his Deputy Minister Hon Barbara Rwodzi. They met to reflect on how…

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Residents concerned about chemical spills along Hurungwe-Chirundu Highway

By Nhau Mangirazi HURUNGWE – Zimbabwe must have modalities for protecting the environment from harmful chemical spillage along the Harare-Chirundu highway. This came out during the National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) consultative meeting in Hurungwe where participants said the chemicals are dangerous to humans, wildlife, and the environment. Albert Sande from Kariba Redd (Carbon Green…

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‘Trees For Tourism’ as the world is rethinking post-COVID-19 recovery strategies

The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry for Zimbabwe, Hon. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu today officiated at two tree-planting events on the sidelines of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo which were hosted by Insukamini and Hugh Beadle Primary Schools in Bulawayo. “My coming here at Insukamini highlights the importance of planting trees. Even though…

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A billion hungry people: conflict, Covid and climate change could leave many close to famine

Caroline O’Doherty A cocktail of conflict, climate change and Covid has brought “catastrophic” food shortages to 44 countries. Almost one billion people across the world are going hungry, at levels categorised as “alarming” in nine countries and “serious” in 34 others. Experts are warning the situation could “significantly worsen” next year if current pressures continue….

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ITC bridging the gender-finance gap in Zambia

International Trade Centre and Bank of Zambia join forces to mainstream gender-lens investing and advance Zambian women-led businesses in trade The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Bank of Zambia today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance inclusive trade in Zambia. The partnership focuses on narrowing the gender-financing gap, which currently stands at 5.8 percentage…

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Forestry remains a mainstay of tourism, a pathway to fight climate change

By Hillary Munedzi Zimbabwe’s forests are arguably the mainstay of tourism, especially in protected areas, which would in turn create jobs in rural areas, diversify and produce finished products that will improve environmental resilience in the face of climate change. Speaking during the COMESA’s all-stakeholder climate meeting, Mr. Abedinigo Marufu, the Forestry Commission Zimbabwe director-general,…

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Investing in Climate Adaptation and Resilience as a Bulwark Against Conflict

By International Crisis Group Climate change is increasing the risk of conflict across the Horn of Africa. Intensified droughts and floods render land unusable, force people from their homes and compel them to compete for resources. They also raise the stakes in transboundary water disputes. The climate-conflict link is evident in Kenya, where four consecutive…

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COP27: Climate justice organisations launch platform for climate action, campaign

Climate justice organizations and groups in Africa have launched a platform dubbed “Africa Vuka #Road2COP” (https://bit.ly/3TgpmZG) to highlight climate stories, campaigns, and calls for climate solutions on the road to COP 27 in Egypt. The platform will showcase a variety of campaigns from across the continent advocating for real climate justice and a fossil-free Africa…

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Regional symposium tackles SRHR, teen pregnancy and HIV

A regional symposium underway in Zimbabwe’s resort city of Victoria Falls has seen stakeholders gathering to chart the way forward in ending teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, and HIV infections in East and Southern Africa. While significant progress has been witnessed in strengthening SRHR outcomes in the region, girls and young women and key populations remain…

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The empowerment of adolescent girls is key to the development of Zimbabwe

As the world is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child (11 October), the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe and UNICEF Zimbabwe are highlighting the crucial role adolescent girls and young women play in the development of the country and call for continued investment in their education, and economic and…

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Journalist Catherine Murombedzi pens a poem about gender-based violence

With the UN Women’s statistics on gender-based violence showing that nearly a third of women have suffered abuse in their lifetime, with cases rising during crises such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Zimbabwean journalist Catherine Murombedzi has come up with a poem denouncing the vice. The poem also comes after Musasa Project, a leading organisation…

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Inclusive and integrative investment projects key to development in the SADC region

By Global Water Partnership Southern Africa  Integrative and inclusive investment project planning at the transboundary and regional levels is critical in the response to challenges and catalysing development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This was one of the key issues raised at the transboundary water management session convened by the Lesotho ICM…

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Mainstreaming gender a key aspect of climate change adaptation

By Hillary Munedzi As developed countries fail to meet their pledges in relation to climate and development finance, women in Africa have suffered more and have been forced to invest more time in meeting family needs. The continent relies heavily on natural resources and rain-fed agriculture. This calls for urgency in meeting commitments to climate…

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High-level commitment to addressing disability: President Mnangagwa donates wheelchairs

By Chimeno Azriel In a demonstration of high-level commitment to addressing disability, President Emmerson Mnangagwa handed over 130 wheelchairs to needy persons in Marondera. The wheelchairs were handed over to the beneficiaries by Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Apolonia Munzverengi who presided over the donation on behalf of the…

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AFC providing insurance for smallholder farmers

The AFC Insurance Company has now accelerated the provision of various short-term insurance products through a rapid expansion strategy across the country. The recently licensed entity has already made significant headway towards ensuring that insurance cover is made available to millions of households across the country, with a deliberate focus on agriculture insurance, in a…

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Climate change mitigation: Interrogating world’s energy transition costs

While African countries strongly support global climate ambitions, the question of who must bear the social and economic costs associated with the world’s energy transition is of global significance, Mr. Nesbert Samu, the Chief Director of Parliamentary Programmes in the Parliament of Zimbabwe has said. Mr. Samu made the remarks during the Common Market for…

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Farmers urged to brand cattle against theft, diseases

By Nhau Mangirazi HURUNGWE – The Department of Veterinary Services has challenged farmers to brand their cattle to guard against stock theft and illegal movement in disease-prone areas. Mashonaland West provincial veterinary director, Thokozani Mswele, made the passionate appeal on Thursday in Tengwe under Chief Mjinga Ward 2 during the official opening of a dip…

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Zimbabwe to commemorate World Cotton Day amid slump in crop production

By Wallace Mawire At a time smallholder farmers globally and especially in Africa are clamouring for favourable market prices for the cotton crop, Zimbabwe will today (7 October 2022) join other countries globally in commemorating World Cotton Day. The  Cotton Company of Zimbabwe will host the world cotton day conference in Harare. The conference is…

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Purnima Devi Barman wins 2022 Female Ranger Award

Real women, real stories and real impact; Spearheaded by international NGO, How Many Elephants, the pioneering World Female Ranger Award gives international recognition to a female wildlife ranger who has shown exemplary service and commitment to conservation.   Purnima Devi Barman is a conservationist and biologist changing people’s perceptions of the Greater Adjutant Stork. Often referred to as a…

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COMESA Member States discuss COP27 roadmap

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is holding a Regional Preparatory Workshop of the Twenty-Seventh Conference of Parties (COP27) to be held in Egypt. Held in Zimbabwe, the regional meeting is deliberating on the key issues related to the upcoming COP27. In his welcome remarks, Hon Mangaliso Ndhovu, the Minister of Environment,…

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What Climate Change Means For Africa’s Food Crisis

By Emily Barone The African continent is no stranger to famine. In the 1970s and ‘80s, countries across the Sahel plunged into a drought-induced food crisis. In the mid-80s, an estimated one million people died from food shortages in Ethiopia. Somalia faced widespread famine in the ‘90s. Both those countries, along with neighboring East African…

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Reframing Climate Narrative in Africa

By Dr. Richard Munang   The world is on a red alert, and the planetary emergencies are getting worse. #climateChange, #biodiversity loss and #pollution and #waste are weighing down on us. # Africa’s contribution to the #climate stability of the world needs to be fronted. We must change the narrative from #Africa being victims of #climatechange requiring help to Africa alone to now front the truth, which is…

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Cynthia Chigwenya among Zimbabwean youths raising country’s flag at international stage

Zimbabwean Youths are making waves on the continent, taking a centre stage in socio-economic and political affairs. One such youth is Cynthia Chigwenya who doubles as the current African Union’s Ambassador for Southern Africa and a Program Coordinator for Political dialogue for Sub-Saharan Africa at Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. Prior to that position, she was previously a researcher…

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Environmentalists demand climate reparations, loss and damage finance in Kenya

Lilian Gakuhi, an environmentalist from Kenya joined other champions in a roadshow to demand climate reparations, loss, and damage finance as an advocacy for climate justice. “As environmentalists, climate activists, and climate champions we can use our voices to speak for climate justice, nature, and communities existing with nature. I had a great opportunity to…

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Zimbabwe holds stakeholder preparatory workshop for COP27

Stakeholders today gathered for a Preparatory Workshop for the Twenty-Seventh Conference of Parties (COP27) which is organised almost every year by the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) that will take place in Sharm El Sheikh in the Republic of Egypt from the 6th to the 18th of November 2022. Hon Mangaliso Ndhovu, the…

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