Photo Credit: EU
By Alice Mudzingwa
The European Union (EU) is intensifying efforts towards tackling biodiversity loss and improving natural resource management in Zimbabwe’s rural communities setting aside EUR 26 million towards a new Biodiversity Enhancement for Resilience Building Initiative.
Addressing a biodiversity celebration event held at Mukuvisi Woodlands recently, EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann said EU Delegation to Zimbabwe is proud to support efforts to conserve biodiversity and strengthen community engagement in tackling biodiversity losses in Zimbabwe.
“Looking ahead, the EU is set to launch the Biodiversity Enhancement for Resilience Building Initiative under our 2023 Annual Action Plan.
With a substantial budget of EURO 26 million, this initiative will focus on improving natural resource management and increasing the resilience of rural communities through diversified livelihoods and climate smart agricultural practise,” said Kirchmann.
The celebrations were held during EU Green Diplomacy Weeks, under the theme: Biodiversity Through Lens-A Celebration of People and Nature.
EU Green Diplomacy Weeks is a global initiative by the European Union to promote environmental protection and sustainability.
Running from September to November, Green Diplomacy features a series of events aimed at raising awareness about biodiversity conservation, emphasising the belief that there can be no protection of nature without the involvement of people and no sustainable future for communities without biodiversity.
Kirchmann said the Biodiversity Enhancement for Resilience Building Initiative is an approach to put people in the middle and create harmony between people and animals.
“This project not only safeguards ecological health but also provides communities with sustainable income streams-from carbon credits, solar energy and ecotourism to agricultural value chains.
“Through a Community Environment and Development Fund, we are ensuring that these benefits directly support the livelihoods of local people, fostering resilience and prosperity,” said Kirchmann.
“A stand out example of this is Sustainable Integrated Landscape Management of Gonarezhou National Park, which shows how local involvement can lead to transformative outcomes.”
Ambassador Kirchmann said the Biodiversity Enhancement for Resilience Building Initiative Zimbabwe will benefit from this initiative as part of several Trans frontier Conservation areas promoting regional cooperation and security while mobilizing payments foe ecosystems services.
“This forms part of our Multi-Annual indicative programme 2021-2027 which is aligned with the EU’s Green Deal and our Biodiversity and Farm to Fork strategies.
Furthermore, the NaturAfrica initiative with a budget of EUR 70 million for Southern Africa exemplifies our team Europe approach. NaturAfrica aims to tackle biodiversity loss while creating sustainable incomes and jobs for local people applying landscape and ecosystem based approach,” said Kirchmann.
Kirchmann commended government for taking up the initiative through the Wildlife Bill Amendment which is currently underway saying it will help and motivate all actors in conservancies whether public or private sectors.
Speaking at the same event, Sharon Musakwa Campfire Manager from ZIMPARKS said communities should benefit from nature as they are its custodians.
“Communities are an integral part of the nature. It is important that all stakeholders and authorities engage and come up with solutions to conserve wildlife,” said Musakwa.
