Building on previous existing climate change policy, Zimbabwe has launched various strategies to forge ahead with the Climate Change Development agenda.

Launched in a virtual meeting held today were the:

• Climate Change Learning Strategy,
• Climate Change Mainstreaming Module, and the
• National Adaptation Planning Process Communication Strategy

The event also took the opportunity to also launch the Green Climate Fund Country Programme in Zimbabwe.

The Climate Change Learning strategy identifies the critical learning and skills development needs in the key climate related sectors such as energy, agriculture, environment education and health. The Climate Change Mainstreaming Module is critical in plugging gaps in integrating climate change in development planning at the sub national levels. The National Adaptation Planning Process Communication Strategy will aid in making sure that climate change messages are generated, packaged and delivered to the targeted audiences.

Speaking during the event, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu noted “Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to changes in the climate system is worsened by limited climate change knowledge and awareness among the citizenry.” He added “It is therefore critical to enhance climate change knowledge and awareness to enable citizens to participate from a well-informed perspective in the fight against this scourge.”

The development of the strategies was supported by UNDP Zimbabwe, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Madelena Monoja, said “ It is our believe that the implementation of these strategies will go a long way in addressing issues of inclusivity and leaving no one behind as the nation strives to achieve its long-term goal of being a low carbon and climate resilient nation as well as achieving the vision 2030.”

Over the past 10 years, Zimbabwe has been experiencing increased adverse effects of climate change such as droughts during two successive rain seasons and three cyclones in less than 24 months.

UNDP supports the country’s efforts in addressing climate change at both policy and implementation levels. Among others, UNDP also supported the development of the Climate Change Policy in 2017 and Climate Change Response Strategy in 2014. On the ground, UNDP, together with other development partners, are implementing the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund. Beginning 2021, UNDP together with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, will implement the Green Climate Fund. Both funding vehicles are aimed at building climate resilience in the most vulnerable areas of the country.