In a bold initiative to address climate change, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is moving towards transforming its enormous forest resources into sustainable development goldmines.
Addressing delegates attending an investment conference held during the 7th SADC Industrialization Week under the theme, “Financing Industrial Developments to Attract Private Investments into the SADC Region,” Minister of Finance and Economic Development Prof. Mthuli Ncube emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the far-reaching consequences of climate change. “Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, with far-reaching consequences for our planet and its inhabitants. It is essential to acknowledge the urgency and significance of climate change, and to take collective action to address its causes and mitigate its effects.
Minister Ncube highlighted the region’s distinct edge in the fight against climate change. With 41% of its total area covered in natural forests. He said the SADC region is well-positioned to capitalize on carbon credits and reap a plethora of advantages that promote sustainable development, economic growth, and climate resilience.
“The SADC region is bestowed with forest resources as 41% of the SADC total land area is covered by natural forests that provide timber and non-timber forest products, hence, by leveraging carbon credits, the region can unlock benefits that support sustainable development, economic growth, and climate resilience while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change,” he added.
Minister Ncube’s vision for a sustainable future is straightforward: by using the potential of carbon credits, the SADC region can usher in a new era of economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and climatic resilience. As the region confronts climate change, it is prepared to transform this global concern into a sustainable development opportunity that will benefit future generations.
