GOVERNMENT has pledged commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem services, which are key in achieving developmental goals.
Speaking at the launch of Zimbabwe’s Sixth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, underscored the importance of biodiversity in the survival of citizens.
“The Government of Zimbabwe recognises the importance of biodiversity in achieving Sustainable Development Goals; Africa 2063 Agenda; SADC vision and the National 2030 Vision. Biodiversity is also the basis of survival for most of Zimbabwe’s people, particularly those who live in rural areas and those adjacent to protected areas. These are the people who mostly exploit natural resources for their livelihoods.
“The natural ecosystems have continued to yield food, medicines, fuel and materials for crafts, and have provided for their cultural and spiritual needs. The Government will therefore continue to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services for the benefit of the general populace,” he said.
A Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is expected to be adopted at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to be held next year in China.
The framework which consists of a new vision, targets and goals for conservation, aims to fulfil vision 2050 of “Living in harmony with nature”.
