In a bold move to combat climate change and enhance sustainable development, the Government through the sixth pillar of its National Forest Policy, seeks to pivot on the role of forests in both mitigating and adapting to climate change.
The policy underscores the dual impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. On one hand, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are altering the productivity and species composition of the country’s forests and woodlands.
On the other hand, forests themselves are crucial in the fight against climate change, acting as significant carbon sinks and providing essential resources during periods of drought. “Deforestation and forest degradation are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 17% of global annual emissions,” the policy document states.
In response, Zimbabwe aims to align its forestry sector with international climate goals through low-carbon economic development, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Key initiatives within the policy include promoting land-use plans that recognize forestry as a critical land-use at various administrative levels, from districts to individual farms.
The government plans to build capacity for sustainable forest management, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s forests can thrive in a changing climate. Community resilience is also a cornerstone of the policy and the government will bolster afforestation programs, advocate for climate-smart agriculture, and encourage the planting of trees for fuel wood energy.
Additionally, there will be a push for economic activities involving both wood and non-wood forest products, enhancing livelihoods while preserving forest ecosystems. To further support adaptation and mitigation efforts, the policy highlights the importance of maintaining and expanding carbon sinks. This includes involving communities in these efforts and implementing a carbon credit framework to guide forest-based projects.
The policy also highlights the need for gender-sensitive approaches and the inclusion of vulnerable groups in climate change interventions. “The role of trees and forests in climate change should be recognized, given their unique ability to contribute to both climate change adaptation and mitigation,” the policy adds
By fostering a robust forestry sector, Zimbabwe aims to strengthen its environmental stewardship and fulfill its international climate commitments.
