ZELO Statement on World Environment Day 2026

The United Nations Environment Programme has called World Environment Day 2026 a moment to heed the urgent signals the Earth is sending, and to decide what signal humanity sends in return. Today, 5 June 2026, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO) joins the global community in commemorating World Environment Day, held under the theme: “Inspired […]

Statement of Congratulations to Government of Zimbabwe for Submitting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0) Country Statement (2025-2035)

Zimbabwe was the only African country to meet the 10 February deadline The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) applauds the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife for its timely submission of its enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0) 2020-2935 Country Statement by 10 February 2025. For us at ZELA, this milestone underscores […]

Debunking misinformation and disinformation: The media’s role in fighting climate change

Compiled by Batanai Mutasa This week, I was invited by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) to discuss climate change misinformation and disinformation on the Conservation Conversation with Rumbidzai Takawira on ZiFM stereo. We set out to localise the climate change discourse and bring attention to the unique challenges faced by communities affected by […]

IUCN AFRICAN CONSERVATION FORUM PRE-FORUM STATEMENT: ZELA

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 […]

Growing Green Guardians: ZELA encourages stakeholder collaboration to nurture sustainable environmental governance

Compiled by Kudakwashe Dube The first quarter of 2024 saw the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) hold a series of multi-stakeholder dialogues to promote responsible environmental governance in mining and peri-mining communities. Stakeholders who participated in the dialogues include community members, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and Rural District Councils. ZELA, under the ‘Multi-stakeholder Actions for […]

Strengthening the Impact of the Loss and Damage Fund: Reflections from COP28,UAE

Compiled by Byron Zamasiya IntroductionThe Conference of Parties (COPs) meetings within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have historically struggled to produce concrete outcomes, often ending with deferred decisions or vague language. While acknowledging the achievements made since 1992, it’s essential to recognize that terms like “workplan” and “programme” have dominated COP […]

COP28 Road Map for the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association

Compiled by Byron Zamasiya Introduction The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is a public interest law organisation that uses the law to protect the environment and promote sustainable resource governance. The organisation is implementing several climate change projects which address adaptation and mitigation at local and national levels. The organisation also contributes to the national […]

Environmental Child Rights: Paving the Way to COP28

Compiled by Fortunate Chilenje Introduction The protection of environmental child rights is vital for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future. Owing to their distinct physiology, metabolism, and developmental requirements, children are disproportionately impacted by environmental changes. Changes in temperature, air and water quality and nutrition are likely to have more severe and long-term impacts on […]

Climate change and Gender: Time for Integrated Action

Compiled by Batanai Mutasa As we approach the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV), the focus is on eliminating violence against women and girls. However, while the possibility of concentrating on the manifestations of various underlying causes of GBV such as physical and sexual abuse is high, this increases the risk of targeting […]