African Solutions for Nature and People: Creating Transformative Responses to the Biodiversity and Climate Crisis in Africa Africa’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems are invaluable to the global environment, supporting countless species and providing essential services to millions of people. However, the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change threaten these natural treasures […]
Delivered at the 79th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) 14 May – 3rd June 2024, Banjul Honourable Chairperson, Commissioners, state delegates, ladies, and gentlemen I thank you for this opportunity to address the 79th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The Zimbabwe Environmental […]
Funded by the European Union (EU), the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is building the technical capacity of community monitors to gather service delivery information and report on human rights violations and track service delivery in local authorities. ZELA is also facilitating learning and sharing by communities on monitoring service delivery and environmental issues in […]
Compiled by Nobuhle Chikuni Anyone who knows me knows that I love conservation work – I am a vulture geek. Believe it or not, I have even had the privilege of hand raising a vulture. In the past few years that I have been working for the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), a public interest […]
Compiled by Nyasha B Dube Nestled among Zimbabwe’s rich mineral deposits, in the heart of the rural mining community – Zvishavane, the voices of women often go unheard, their stories untold. These women face numerous barriers that hinder their ability to share their experiences and challenges. After recognizing the transformative power of storytelling, ZELA organized […]
Compiled by Nesia Mhaka Manicaland, Zimbabwe, is a rich tapestry of natural resources, with small-scale mining playing a pivotal role in its economic landscape. However, despite their significant contributions to the country’s GDP, small-scale miners often face myriad challenges that hinder their full potential. This was highlighted during a Provincial Mining Indaba, held in Mutare […]
Compiled by Nesia Mhaka Communities in Penhalonga, Mutasa district, say they are grappling with a distressing issue that has shaken them to the core. At the centre of controversy is the mining of gold in the neighboring Tsvingwe area which has led to the digging up of graves, triggering concern and anguish in the district. […]
Compiled by Nyaradzo Mutonhori Introduction Mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (mHREDD) laws, like the recently passed European Union Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive (EUCSDDD), are urgent. mHREDD refers to a legal obligation placed on companies to assess and address their actual and potential impacts on human rights and the environment. The global […]
Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience Date of issue: 5 June 2024 Celebrating World Environment Day is a moment for reflection at the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), a time to take stock of the work that the organization has invested into promoting environmental rights and responsible natural resource governance. This includes the management of […]
Compiled by Kudakwashe Dube In the heart of Zimbabwe’s biodiversity-rich landscapes lies Binga, a region teeming with potential for effective community-driven conservation. Yet, despite its promise, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework poses significant challenges to the sustainability and effectiveness of community conservancies in the area. Heralded as beacons of inclusive conservation, community conservancies […]