HARARE – Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to global biodiversity goals, pledging to join the global push to mobilise US$200 billion annually by 2030 to support biodiversity initiatives.
This move follows the conclusion of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) in Cali, Colombia, held from 21 October to 1st November 2024 in Cali, Colombia.
The conference, which was attended by a Zimbabwean delegation led by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Sam Matema, the Buhera Central Member of Parliament, resulted in several key outcomes aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and addressing pressing environmental challenges.
One of the major highlights of the conference was the agreement on a strategy for resource mobilization, which aims to secure US$200 billion annually by 2030 to support biodiversity initiatives.
“Parties agreed on a strategy for resource mobilisation to secure US$200 billion annually by 2030 to support biodiversity initiatives. This funding will be crucial for implementing the KMGBF and addressing the biodiversity crisis,” Matema stated during the presentation of the report in Parliament on Tuesday.
The Zimbabwean delegation noted that the country has made significant progress in implementing the Nagoya Protocol and has taken steps to safeguard indigenous knowledge and genetic resources.
However, challenges in implementation, such as capacity building and awareness, have hindered progress.
“Zimbabwe, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, has long been concerned with protecting indigenous knowledge and genetic resources. The country has taken steps to safeguard these assets. including the development of Statutory Instrument 61 of 2009 and the ratification of the Nagoya Protocol,” reads part of the report.
“However, challenges in implementation, such as capacity building and awareness, have hindered progress. With the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Zimbabwe now faces the need to update its legal framework to align with international obligations and ensure fair and equitable benefit-sharing for its communities.
“The key provisions of this Bill would focus on establishing a comprehensive framework for access to genetic resources, prior informed consent, mutually agreed terms and benefit-sharing. It should also allocate resources for training and capacity building of relevant stakeholders, including government officials, researchers and local communities.
“In addition, the Bill should develop transparent and equitable mechanisms for sharing benefits derived from the utilisation of genetic resources, including financial benefits and technology transfer arrangements. It would be essential that the Bill establishes a robust system for monitoring compliance and enforcing its provisions.”
To effectively implement the KMGBF, the delegation recommended that Zimbabwe should prioritize updating its national biodiversity strategy, strengthening its legal framework, and building capacity to ensure fair and equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resources.
The conference also saw the adoption of a new Programme of Work, which ensures the meaningful contribution of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to the Convention’s objectives and the implementation of the KMGBF.
Additionally, a new subsidiary body was established to elevate their voices and participation in decision-making processes.
Other key outcomes of the conference include agreements on sharing benefits from digital genetic information, implementing the KMGBF, and addressing synthetic biology, invasive alien species, sustainable wildlife management, and plant conservation.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife has been urged to craft a comprehensive Biodiversity Bill that consolidates and strengthens existing biodiversity legislation, including the Nagoya Protocol.
The establishment of a National Biodiversity Authority has also been recommended.
