The Kariba Redd+ carbon credits scheme is part of the country’s remarkable footprint in promoting biodiversity as the country positions itself in a smart economic growth gateway.
This is according to a recently published document titled ‘Zimbabwe Biodiversity Economy as part of Status Report, Investment Blueprint and Framework for Natural Capital Accounting, seen by NewsDay this week.
Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister, Mangaliso Ndhlovu, noted in the report that the country had the potential to grow through green economy-oriented policies.
"As Zimbabwe positions itself for a decade of economic growth to achieve its vision of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income country by 2030, there is need to substantially harness development opportunities in the biodiversity economy," Ndlovu said.
"The government has prioritised four sectors that are important for the biodiversity economy, namely bioprospecting, fisheries, forestry and wildlife.
"However, Zimbabwe’s biodiversity is under severe pressure and degradation resulting from climate change and human activities such as deforestation, wildlife crime, and illegal harvesting and trade in wildlife and forest products."
He, however, explained that Zimbabwe was rich in biodiversity, in its abundant plant and animal life, and its varied landscapes and aquatic ecosystems.
"This biodiversity is the foundation for human well-being through the goods and services it provides, notably food, fresh water, wood, grass and fuel; climate regulation; water purification; disease regulation; recreational activities; spiritual practices; support for nutrient cycling and soil formation; and the provision of aesthetic value," said Ndlovu.
- Why are we still pitting jobs against public health?
- Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool manager signs new two-year contract extension at Anfield until 2026
- COP27: Zimbabwe’s opportunity to shine
- Shot in the arm for Chiredzi, Bikita communities
Keep Reading
"Biodiversity and ecosystem services are particularly important in supporting agriculture, industry, energy, tourism, and manufacturing, which are the country’s key economic pillars."
In the document, Kariba Redd+ was identified as a successful story on carbon credits scheme.
Established in 2011, as a pilot project in northern Zimbabwe, stretching from the southern shores of Lake Kariba around Binga, to Mbire District, covering around 785 000 hectares of mopane and miombo woodlands, the project aimed at preventing the emission of about 5.6 million tons of carbon dioxide over its 30-year timespan by halting deforestation. It has plans to benefit conservation since the area connects several national parks and safari areas in the Zambezi Valley and serves as a wildlife movement corridor indicating that the areas involved in the scheme already have a history of conservation-related land uses.
Carbon Green Investments (CGI) is the promoter of the Kariba REDD+ project, implemented and managed by its local subsidiary, Carbon Green Africa (CGA).
The private sector made an initial investment of US$1.25m according to the document.
Carbon Green Africa worked closely with Environment Management Agency (EMA), Rural District Councils, safari operators, Agritex and the Forestry Commission among others.
