Zim scores global first in conservation

Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE stands ready to share its experiences in the carbon market as it boasts the world’s first blockchain-based National Carbon Registry, SADC Chairman, President Mnangagwa, has said.

In his keynote remarks at the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare yesterday, the President said governments in the region must ensure conservation efforts that benefit communities.

To that end, the regional bloc’s Chair said the country had made bold decisions towards a more sustainable future and also to share its experiences with the rest of the region.

“This demonstrates our determination to contribute towards new global standards for transparency, accountability and sustainability in the carbon market, and that the region, and indeed the continent, can lead by example.

SADC Chairman President Mnangagwa, his counterpart Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera, SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi, SADC Council of Ministers Chairperson, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira pose for a group photo with regional leaders and ministers at the regional TFCA summit in Harare yesterday.

“We stand ready to share Zimbabwe’s experiences in this respect,” he said.

In the country’s relentless fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, Zimbabwe developed new carbon market regulations and the world’s first blockchain-based National Carbon Registry designed to increase transparency and investor confidence.

The measures are part of Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to comply with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which enables countries to trade emissions reductions as part of their national climate commitments.

The national carbon registry, developed by A6 Labs in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, uses blockchain technology to track carbon credits from issuance to retirement.

“This was a bold decision towards a more sustainable future,” said President Mnangagwa.

As SADC looks to the next 25 years, he said there was a need to redouble the regional bloc’s dedication to fostering socio-ecological and economic connectivity.

Among those in attendance were President Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Prime Minister Russel Dlamini (Eswatini), Prime Minister Sam Matekane (Lesotho), Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare (Namibia), President Hussein Mwinyi (Zanzibar) and SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi.

“At the centre of these efforts must be the need to enhance the lives and livelihoods of our communities, striking a harmonious balance between nature and development.

“To date, the Transfrontier Conservation Areas we have created are safe habitats for our wildlife to roam away from human settlements.

SADC Chairman President Mnangagwa listens as SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi (right) presents the communique.

“These have also helped to reduce human-wildlife conflict while safeguarding our fauna and flora. Once again congratulations,” he said.

Yesterday’s summit marked the 25th Anniversary of the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas Programme and was held under the theme, “Transfrontier Conservation Areas — 25 Years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development”.

The SADC Chair said through shared knowledge, innovative strategies and unified action, the region could address pressing challenges of biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and climate change.

“Together, we have demonstrated that conservation transcends borders. In this regard, the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas Programme (2023-2033) provides our guiding framework.

“I urge us to leverage this Summit to reflect on our achievements, on one hand but most importantly charting a sustainable path forward, informed by experience and the lessons we have learnt along the way.

“Key in this respect is that conservation must be inclusive, engaging Governments, local communities, researchers and the private sector.

“Undoubtedly, the Transfrontier Conservation Areas Model has proven that environmental protection and socio-economic development are mutually reinforcing and complementary,” said President Mnangagwa.

He urged the region to embrace innovation, science-based solutions and community-driven approaches to conservation.

“The youth of our countries, along with women, should play a greater role in our efforts, riding on the ingenuity and hard work ethic of this demographic.

“By the same token, robust and responsive social economic models must be developed so that the financial benefits of this sector accrue to broader aspects of grassroots development, while at the same time building resilience and empowering communities within our countries,” President Mnangagwa said.

The SADC region now boasts 13 functional Transfrontier Conservation Areas and five at the conceptual stage, spanning both terrestrial and marine environments, covering 7 percent of its surface area, with each at varying stages of development.

“Our region has come a long way in sustainable environmental management. Congratulations. Today is indeed a jubilant occasion which marks two significant milestones. The first is the commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas Programme.

“Secondly, we are celebrating the remarkable progress achieved since the official opening of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This was the first Transfrontier Conservation Area in Southern Africa, between Botswana and South Africa, that was launched in 2000,” said President Mnangagwa.

SADC Chairman President Mnangagwa launches the Zimbabwe Carbon Market Registry in the company of his counterpart Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera (right) and Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu (left) at the end of the TFCA summit.

He said the regional bloc had laid a strong foundation with a lasting impact by empowering rural communities, enhancing tourism infrastructure and promoting cross-border law enforcement operations.

“Let this Summit reaffirm our commitment to leaving no one and no place behind,” said the President.

The need to bolster food security, he added, could not be overemphasised.

Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane follows proceedings at the summit.

“The importance of adequate water provision to cater for animals in their habitats will also go a long way in preventing encroachment into our communities.

“We must make concerted efforts in these and other areas. Climate change is laying bare the vulnerabilities of all communities along with livestock and wildlife,” he said.

In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa said they had shared knowledge, reviewed collective progress, identified challenges and reflected on the journey of the TFCA programme.

The summit, he added, was a testament that the region’s shared vision was not only alive but thriving.

From Left: Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe follow proceedings.

“For the past 25 years, this initiative has stood as a testament to our unity, solidarity, resilience and commitment to sustainable development.

“This Summit was a celebration of what has been achieved and a bold statement of what we must accomplish.

“It has reaffirmed the critical role of Transfrontier Conservation Areas as powerful instruments for regional integration, resilience, inclusive growth and peace-building. We have come to better appreciate the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation, policy harmonisation and fostering a culture of shared ownership for the conservation of our rich heritage and natural resource endowment,” he said.

The SADC Chair reiterated that the regional bloc’s strategies must continue to place communities at the centre of every initiative not only as stakeholders but as co-creators and primary beneficiaries.

“When we empower local communities, we capacitate the very ecosystems which we seek to protect. Our people should reap and enjoy the benefits of the ongoing conservation efforts,” said the President.

He said the Summit had also amplified the importance of strengthening the SADC Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching Strategy.

“As such, cross-border cooperation should continue to deliver tangible results in the protection of our wildlife heritage.

Hwamanda Troupe Traditional Dance group members entertain delegates. — Pictures: Kudakwashe Hunda.

“As we return to our respective countries, let us carry forward the momentum built here, towards developing an integrated, modern, industrialised and prosperous SADC we all want.

“Let us provide transformational leadership that is grounded in the lived realities of our peoples,” said President Mnangagwa.

On the sidelines of the Summit, President Mnangagwa also launched the Zimbabwean Carbon Registry where he said the country was assured of attaining fair value for its emission reduction contributions.

“To achieve Article 6 readiness, Zimbabwe has put in place comprehensive regulations on carbon trading, making the country the first to transition completely from the risky Voluntary Carbon Market to Article 6 compliance.

“These regulations include strict social and environmental safeguards, ensuring that every carbon project aligns with Zimbabwe’s development priorities and makes significant contributions to sustainable development.

“These regulations are backed by the world’s first blockchain-based National Carbon Registry,” he said.

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