The Chronicle
Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Journalist
ZIMBABWE remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and through the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1), the country seeks to address environmental issues that have emerged since the turn of the century.
The Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry said on Monday during the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) which ended yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya .
“Our generation has faced the triple environmental challenge of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution since the turn of the century.
“To make progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, we have developed our National Development Strategy for the period 2021 to 2025 and one of our nine pillars is to optimize the use of natural resources, clean energy, the restoration of ecosystems, the recovery of waste and pollution. depression,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said some of the programs Zimbabwe was implementing to alleviate the above concerns included the monthly national clean-up programme, an accelerated national tree planting program and the restoration of degraded wetlands.
He said the monthly national cleanup program was led by President Mnangagwa, hence Zimbabwe’s support for a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution.
Along with an accelerated national tree-planting programme, Zimbabwe will launch the country’s first-ever forest policy next month aimed at halting deforestation and stepping up reforestation.
Minister Ndlovu said the government is also implementing an integrated solid waste management plan to reduce solid waste management, including sustainable consumption and production.
“Through circular approaches, we promote waste recycling, remanufacturing, remanufacturing and reuse; and the implementation of the One Health Project which links environment, animal and human health through the Whole of Government approach.
“We are also implementing various projects identified in our Nationally Determined Contributions in response to the climate change crisis; Additionally, our low-emissions development strategy puts us on a path to significantly reduce our carbon footprint by mid-century,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu reiterated that Zimbabwe is committed to implementing the agreed decisions and resolutions of UNEA 5.2 within the national context and circumstances.
“Zimbabwe cannot achieve these Sustainable Development Goals alone, therefore we call on the international community and the United Nations to enhance their cooperation and support to implement these strategies as we address the environmental challenges we face. faced today.
“Building and building capacity is needed for developing countries to tackle emerging environmental issues such as electronic and hazardous waste to prevent us from becoming a dumping ground.
“Cooperation and multilateralism are more essential than ever to enable us to overcome these challenges,” he said. — @KazungaOliver
