On Monday the 30th of September 2024, Black Crystal Consulting attended the FES Zimbabwe workshop at the Monomotapa Hotel along with other attendees from several organizations such as the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust, Climate Change Management Department, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and other independent parties. It was an interactive workshop where people shared their thoughts and concerns over the new Climate Change Bill that is still under discussions.
The Zimbabwean government’s Climate Change Management Bill represents a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to address the growing threats posed by climate change. However, as the youth and affected stakeholders, we had to discuss the impact of this legislation and the key areas that may warrant a deeper examination and require refinement.
The workshop included a briefing from the Climate Change Department where they were explaining the provisions in the new Climate Change Bill. The Acting Director, Mr. Dhoba, dived into the bill and explained each provision. This paved the way and opened the platform for the attendees to discuss and interrogate the provisions. The individuals were split into groups and got to discussing each section in detail.
Workshop Outcomes
Several issues were identified in these discussions and these include:
- Enforcement and accountability mechanisms:
While the bill establishes emissions reduction targets and adaptation planning requirements, the enforcement provisions and consequences for non-compliance are not entirely clear. We may want to discuss how to strengthen the accountability. - Funding and financial resources:
The climate change fund is a positive step, but its long-term financial sustainability and ability to attract sufficient international climate finance may be a concern. We should explore strategies that ensure adequate and reliable funding. - Coordination and integration across sectors:
The requirement to mainstream climate change into national development plans is important, but the details of how this will be implemented and enforced across different government ministries and agencies may need further discussion. - Inclusion and stakeholder engagement:
While the National Climate Change Management Council includes representation from civil society and the private sector, the extent of the public participation and community-level engagement in the implementation process could be an area for deeper exploration. - Alignment with international climate framework
Panelists may want to assess how well the Zimbabwean bill aligns with the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and other relevant international climate accords, and whether any adjustments are needed. - Adaptation and resilience-building measures:
The bill’s provisions on adaptation planning are crucial. During the breakfast meeting, we ought to delve into the specific strategies, resources, and timelines for enhancing the country’s climate resilience, especially for the most vulnerable communities.
Conclusion
As much as it was a productive and interactive meeting, we hope to see the issues raised addressed. The end goal is for us to take our positions as environmental stewards seriously and work towards a greener and more sustainable home for ourselves and future generations to come.
