Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to position Zimbabwe within the growing global conservation finance market through the development of a Biodiversity Credits Framework aimed at unlocking investment in ecosystem protection while creating sustainable livelihoods for communities.
This comes after stakeholders met in Kadoma on Thursday and Friday to develop regulations that are expected to guide biodiversity credit projects in the country.
The country’s vast natural resources, ranging from forests and wetlands to wildlife ecosystems, are now being viewed as potential drivers of economic growth through emerging biodiversity credit markets.
Leading the process, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife revealed that the proposed framework seeks to ensure conservation efforts generate measurable environmental and economic benefits.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Washington Zhakata, said Zimbabwe cannot afford to be left behind as global demand for biodiversity credits continues to grow.
“Biodiversity credits present a major opportunity for Zimbabwe to attract conservation finance, support rural communities and strengthen ecosystem protection. Without a local framework, we risk losing control over how our biodiversity resources are valued while missing economic opportunities linked to global environmental markets.”
Environmental stakeholders attending the consultations say Zimbabwe has the potential to become a regional leader in nature-based financing if proper safeguards are implemented.
“There is growing international demand for credible biodiversity credits tied to measurable conservation outcomes. Zimbabwe has an opportunity to create a strong framework that ensures communities and conservation areas directly benefit from this emerging market,” All Nature’s Country Director, Mr James Egremont-Lee said.
Legal and environmental experts also stressed the need for inclusivity and accountability within the proposed system.
“The framework must provide legal certainty, transparency and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms to ensure communities protecting natural resources are fully included and protected,” Legal Officer at Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation, Mrs Michelle Chitando said.
“Nature-based solutions are becoming central to sustainable development globally. Biodiversity credits can incentivise restoration of degraded ecosystems while improving water security, supporting agriculture and strengthening climate adaptation efforts. Zimbabwe has an opportunity to create a model that balances conservation, livelihoods and economic growth,” Nature-Based Solutions’ Project Manager, Ms Tendai Chinho stated.
The framework is expected to establish standards for biodiversity projects, define institutional responsibilities and create transparent systems for verification and revenue sharing.
The country’s Carbon Credit Framework, launched last year, will help shape the biodiversity credit system before pilot projects are rolled out.
