By Batanai Mutasa
Confronting the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution was the central focus of a recent Environmental Law Conference hosted by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO). The event explored how legal frameworks can be leveraged to tackle these interconnected threats.
Organized in collaboration with the Africa Institute of Environmental Law and the Environmental Management Agency, the conference convened a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to discuss urgent global environmental challenges.
In a keynote address delivered on her behalf by Edward Samuriwo, Director of Environment and Natural Resources, the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Hon. Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, stated, “Robust environmental law is the undeniable cornerstone of effective environmental stewardship. It translates our collective values and scientific understanding into enforceable rules.”
During a ZiFM Stereo interview on the sidelines of the conference, ZELO Executive Director Mutuso Dhliwayo pinpointed the conference’s core motivation, a recognised disconnect between Zimbabwe’s environmental laws and their application. He cited the Environmental Management Act and the constitutional right to a clean environment as examples of strong policies that face major enforcement hurdles.
“So, the idea is basically for us to reflect with all these stakeholders that are here and also regional and international participants to really reflect on what can be done to make sure that this right which is foundational to the realisation of all rights – if I may put it that way – is actually realised and enforced,” he said.
A key proposal for improving enforcement is the establishment of environmental courts and tribunals, which is provided for under the Environmental Management Agency’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. However, despite several studies and ongoing advocacy, these specialised courts have yet to be established. This need is urgent as Zimbabwe faces increasing environmental challenges, including water, land, and air pollution, littering, illegal waste dumps, illegal mining, veld fires, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
The global environmental crisis disproportionately impacts the world’s most marginalised communities, driving the development of environmental law into a unique legal domain. This specialisation includes a wide array of principles, regulations, and policies designed to alleviate the effects of human activity on the environment. As ZELO Executive Committee Deputy Chairperson Makanatsa Makonese explained in a radio interview, “We know that in many instances in Zimbabwe we’ve been affected by climate change related disasters. We’ve experienced floods, we’ve experienced droughts and all these point to the issue of biodiversity loss as well as environmental degradation.”
Consequently, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) placed a strong emphasis on environmental protection, climate resilience, and natural resource management. The conference aimed to discuss the state of environmental law and its role in achieving sustainability and the realization of environmental rights. It sought to formulate legal and policy recommendations to enhance protection, implementation, and enforcement, and to foster effective partnerships in environmental governance.
As Samuriwo explained, “The Law does not operate in a vacuum. Effective environmental protection is achieved through powerful synergy between law and policy. Policy frameworks, developed through research, consultation and foresight guide legislative action and ensure laws are practical, forward looking and adaptable. They set the priorities, allocate resources and establish standards for compliance. Sound policy ensures that our legislative tools are sharp, enforceable and aligned with national objectives, ultimately shaping positive environmental outcomes on the ground.”