Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT is advancing a new approach to natural resource management that places community empowerment and rural development at the centre of environmental governance.
The focus emerged during the Annual National Convention on the Future of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM), recently held in Harare, where stakeholders discussed the development of a national strategy aimed at harnessing biodiversity for sustainable community development.
Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu said Zimbabwe has significant opportunities to use forestry carbon projects to accelerate rural development.
“Zimbabwe does not have a standalone consolidated National Community Based Natural Resources Policy. However, a strong foundation exists to support the strategic planning of this document,” she said.
Environmental experts said recent legal reforms, including the Parks and Wildlife Management Act Number 4 of 2024 and the National CAMPFIRE Review, provide a strong platform for developing a comprehensive Community-Based Natural Resource Management Strategy.
