THE European Union (EU) and the government continue to foster significant investments in environmental conservation and climate action, helping Zimbabwe build resilience and adapt to climate change.
The outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Jobst von Kirchmann, met the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, this Friday to discuss ongoing cooperation between the world’s biggest trading bloc and Zimbabwe.
Ambassador Kirchmann underscored the EU’s commitment to support environmental conservation and climate action in Zimbabwe.
“As the EU, we are proud to have supported the government in mitigating some of these climate change risks through the Natura Africa program, part of the Global Gateway Initiative, which supports trans-frontier conservation efforts. Additionally, the EU is backing a sustainable wildlife management program and a transboundary water management initiative, set to start soon.
“The support demonstrates the strong partnership between the EU and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife. Another initiative, the Agro-Value Chain Development program, aims to promote climate-smart agriculture. Climate change disrupts livelihoods and human mobility, affecting communities across all sectors of the economy, straining urban governance and social cohesion.
“The EU and Zimbabwe have signed financing agreements totaling €75 million, with a significant portion dedicated to biodiversity and resilience building. A key initiative is the Biodiversity Enhancement and Resilience Building program, allocating €26 million to support human-centred biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly in wildlife conservation and community resilience,” he said.
Dr Ndlovu, emphasised the importance of partnerships in balancing conservation with communal livelihoods.
“I am pleased to have worked with HE Ambassador Jobst Kirchmann during his tenure here in Zimbabwe. The EU has been a great supporter of most programmes related to climate change resilience and sustainability, as well as community livelihood strengthening. They have also shown keen interest in addressing issues like mining in conservation areas, which poses a significant threat to the environment. We both agreed to work closely together and schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss further cooperation and technical details. Zimbabwe remains grateful for the EU support,” she noted
The EU’s support for Zimbabwe’s biodiversity is multifaceted, encompassing financial aid, programme implementation, and partnerships with local communities and organisations to promote conservation and sustainable development.
