In response to escalating environmental challenges, the Committee on Environment, Climate, and Tourism, alongside the Thematic Committee on Climate Change, convened at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Mutare for a pivotal induction and capacity-building workshop. This significant event, attended by key governmental figures including the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Hon Dr. S.G.G. Nyoni, and the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. B. Rwodzi, aimed to equip committee members with essential tools to effectively oversee and implement robust environmental and climate policies.
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, underscored the unparalleled responsibility these committees hold. They are tasked with overseeing the Ministries of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, and Tourism and Hospitality Industries, ensuring the development and implementation of resilient climate policies across Zimbabwe’s economy. This workshop marked a pivotal step in equipping committee members to fulfill their constitutional mandates within the parliamentary ecosystem, driving positive development.
As Members of Parliament, the Constitution confers upon them the legislative responsibility to enact laws for Zimbabwe’s peace, order, and good governance. This responsibility, enshrined in sections 117 and 119 of the Constitution, highlights Parliament’s role in upholding democratic governance. These provisions underscore that governmental power originates from the consent of the governed, guiding committee members in their constitutional mandate by the aspirations of the people they represent.
Parliamentary Select Committees, as defined by the Standing Orders of the National Assembly and Senate, are empowered to examine expenditure, administration, and policy of government departments, monitor legislative programs, and consider international treaties. This framework ensures governmental accountability by mandating that ministries, departments, and agencies execute their mandates efficiently and effectively. Section 107(2) of the Constitution further demands that every Vice President, Minister, and Deputy Minister attend Parliament and Parliamentary Committees to answer questions concerning matters for which they are responsible.
The Public Finance Management Act requires committees to ensure that ministries submit timely financial reports, which form the basis for effective oversight. Collaborative efforts with the Parliament Budget Office are encouraged to enhance the quality of committee work. Critically, committees must ensure the implementation of Public Accounts Committee recommendations within agreed timelines to maintain governmental accountability.
Addressing the existential threat of climate change, Hon. Mudenda emphasized the need for committees to preserve and conserve the environment. He highlighted recent devastating climate events, such as Cyclone Idai, which caused significant damage and loss of life, underscoring the global impacts of climate change on food and water security, health, eco-tourism, infrastructure, forced migration, and conflicts.
Nature-based tourism, which contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s economy in 2019, saw a remarkable recovery in 2023, generating $1.1 billion in revenue. This recovery underscores the sector’s critical role in Zimbabwe’s economic development. Parliament, through its committees, must enhance disaster risk reduction and emergency response capabilities to better prepare the tourism sector for climate-related disasters.
Section 73 of the Constitution stipulates every person’s right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being and mandates the protection of the environment for future generations. This includes preventing pollution, promoting conservation, and ensuring sustainable development. Similarly, section 77 guarantees the right to safe, clean, potable water and sufficient food. These rights underscore the committees’ mandate to ensure legislative, representative, oversight, and budget approval roles align with citizens’ access to clean water and food sovereignty.
To fulfill these mandates, the Committee on Environment, Climate, and Tourism oversees several key pieces of legislation, including the Environmental Management Act, the Forest Act, the Tourism Act, the Meteorological Services Act, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The committee is also working on the Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill to empower local communities in environmental conservation.
Additionally, the committees are expected to collaborate on reviewing and finalizing important bills such as the Water Act, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act, and the Plant Breeders Act. The anticipated Climate Change Bill, as addressed by President Mnangagwa, aims to consolidate climate change-related laws, mainstream climate change in development planning, and establish the National Climate Fund for Climate Change response actions.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, along with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, is developing policies such as the National Climate Policy, the National Climate Change Response Strategy, and the Zimbabwe National Tourism Policy. Committees must thoroughly analyze these policies to ensure they align with national development goals.
Government efforts, such as the 12 high-impact dam construction program and commitments to reduce greenhouse gases, are geared toward achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. The creation of the National Climate Fund and the issuance of green bonds reflect significant strides in sustainable energy projects. Committees must demand accountability in these efforts.
Furthermore, committees must ensure adherence to national, regional, and international instruments on climate action, such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. These instruments interconnect with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of climate action in eradicating poverty and achieving zero hunger.
Embracing digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), in climate action can enhance disaster risk reduction and public awareness. AI can facilitate predictive modeling of climate-related disasters and enable early warning systems, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.
This workshop serves as a crucial platform for committees to enhance their capacity and effectively contribute to Zimbabwe’s environmental and climate resilience. With a collective commitment to sustainability, these committees can drive meaningful change and ensure a prosperous future for all Zimbabweans.
