Government has approved the ratification of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Environmental Management for Sustainable Development. This pivotal decision was announced by Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere during a post cabinet press briefing.
“The Protocol establishes principles derived from the Rio Declaration on Sustainable Development, which include cooperation in good faith among State Parties, sovereign rights of State Parties to use their resources, participation of all interested parties in environmental governance, resolution of differences amicably, placing the needs of people at the centre of development, precautionary approach, polluter pays principle, and extended producer responsibility among others,” said Minister Muswere.
The SADC Protocol aims to guide State Parties in implementing comprehensive environmental management strategies. Muswere explained on the broad applications and obligations under the Protocol, highlighting its extensive scope and the collaborative efforts required for its implementation.
“The Protocol applies to all State Party activities relating to environmental management. Among others, the Protocol places the following obligations on State Parties: to institute measures to manage and control trans-boundary effects of air pollution; to manage and control trans-boundary effects of waste and chemicals; to combat desertification and land degradation and implement sustainable land management practices; and to mitigate adverse environmental impacts on marine and coastal environments as well as inland water resources,” Muswere said.
The ratification, Muswere said aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), specifically the pillar focused on environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resources management.
The government believes that adopting this Protocol will strengthen cooperation with other SADC member states and enhance regional efforts towards sustainable development. “The Protocol is in line with the National Development Strategy 1 pillar on environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resources management, and ratification of the Protocol will enhance cooperation with other SADC member states,” he said.
The ratification of the SADC Protocol is expected to foster greater regional integration and collective action in managing and protecting the environment for future generations.
The Cabinet’s approval marks a significant step forward in the country’s environmental policy, aligning national strategies with regional and international standards to ensure a balanced approach to development and conservation.
