The recent public consultations held by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate, Wildlife, and Tourism across various regions, including Gokwe, Matopos, Tsholotsho, Hwange, Binga, and Victoria Falls, have highlighted significant concerns regarding public access to legislative bills and the ongoing human-wildlife conflict.
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) legal officer, Hazel Chimbiro highlighted the critical issue of limited access to the Bill before the public consultations. “Effective participation in the legislative process is determined by the ability of communities and other stakeholders to comment and make submissions based on the content of the Bill. Access to Bills for communities should be enhanced, which entails availing abridged copies of the bill in local languages to enable communities to effectively participate in the process,” she said
Chimbiro further suggested that sensitization meetings should precede consultations to clarify technical aspects and provisions within the Bill. “Holding sensitization meetings before consultations is crucial to debunk some technical aspects and provisions,” she noted, citing terms like ‘appropriate authority’ and ‘delegated appropriate authority’ as examples that require community input.
A significant point raised during the consultations, she said was the Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund, which received commendation from the community members. Chimbiro highlighted the severity of human-wildlife conflict exacerbated by climate change, which has led to loss of lives, permanent injuries, and destruction of livestock.
“Community members confirmed that lives have been lost, and some have been injured permanently from animal attacks. To make matters worse, human-wildlife conflict continues to be exacerbated by the effects of climate change,” Chimbiro said.
She noted the limitations of the fund, which does not cover relief for crop destruction and livestock killed by wildlife, thereby affecting household food security and income. Communities have recommended that the fund also consider compensation for crop destruction and livestock losses, and that its administration be managed at the district level for better efficacy.
“Communities also recommended the consideration of compensation for crop destruction and livestock lost as well as the administration of the fund at district level,” Chimbiro said.
She also reiterated the importance of translating abbreviated versions of the Bill into local languages to ensure comprehensive understanding and participation. “This will help ensure that all community members can understand the Bill and participate effectively,” she said.
Additionally, Chimbiro called for the enhanced participation of youths in public hearings and the deliberate inclusion of youth representation on the Authority’s board. “The need for enhanced participation of youths in public hearings and deliberate inclusion of youth representation in the Authority’s board is vital,” she added.
