SustainZim - Issue 12

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QUARTER 04 ISSUE 12 / 18 WEBSITE

42,500 page views

{ www.sustainzim.org

@sustainzim }

FO R

NEWSLETTER

colleges, government departments, civil society groups and individuals.

covering various categories from policy, interviews, research, surveys, projects

to a quarterly newsletter keeping contributors and stakeholders informed

124 written articles

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QUARTER 01 ISSUE 01 / 16

Think Live Stay Green!

ARTICLES

52,000 printed copies distributed to universities, schools and

2,500 unique users of which 90% were repeat visitors from majority from Zimbabwe, RSA, USA, UK, Australia.

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NEWSPAPER

{ www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe} Think

Live

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QUARTER 02 ISSUE 02 / 16

Stay Green!

400 subscribers

{ www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe} Think

Live

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QUARTER 03 ISSUE 03 / 16

Stay Green!

CARTOON

PROFILE

ENERGY

11 Muunganirwa fish project

Introduces Zim’s own 13 climate saviour

SA L

E

{ www.sustainzim.org

Live

@SustainZimbabwe} Think

CLIMATE CHANGE

The Clean 05 energy Project

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QUARTER 04 ISSUE 04 / 16

Stay Green!

SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

Changing Mindset in the face of changing climate 09

CLIMATE CHANGE

ENERGY

Improved Cookstoves

illness, 02 “Cutting not trees”

Climate Change

FORESTRY

Success in 05 Adaptation Buhera

10

The Kariba REDD+ Project

13

Solar lights up new hope for remote school

ENERGY

Energy 02 Sustainable for Children

05

How can mining become

Unpacking the Paris Agreement Prospects

environmentally 07 more sustainable

How Local communities’ livelihoods are being transformed in Zimbabwe

LAND USE

MINING

COP21

SOLAR

Communities Reduce

ENERGY

11

Promoting distributed renewable energy

Through 02 Vulnerabilities Effective Planning

05

EDUCATION

Young Africa Zimbabwe

ENVIRONMENT

COP21 And COP 22 Youth 10 Digital Climate Mapping

offers Solar Technology 12 Courses

F E AT U R E

Interview with Hon. Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri (MP)

F E AT U R E

What do tertiary students know about climate change?

F E AT U R E

F E AT U R E

Chipendeke MicroHydropower Scheme

Water hyacinth as a source of alternative energy

Page 8

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A survey investigating the perceptions about climate change among tertiary students in Zimbabwe

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{www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe}

Think

Live

{www.sustainzim.org

QUARTER 01 ISSUE 05 / 17

Stay Green!

Rainwater Harvesting

Integrated Planning 02 and for Resilience

INNOVATION

@SustainZimbabwe}

Think

06

WETLANDS

The Value of Wetlands

Young Innovator gets a

line from GiHub and 11 life Declares war on waste

RECYCLING

Live

16

Economic opportunities that lie within hyacinth

EDUCATION

Towards 02 Moving a Green Economy

05

F E AT U R E

CLIMATE CHANGE

AQUACULTURE

Sweden collaborates with Zimbabwe to promote green economy

Sustainability key in

development 10 aquaculture in Zimbabwe

ENERGRY

Hybrid 14 Wind/Solar potential in Zimbabwe

02

Connecting the Dots: Wildlife, The Youth & Climate Change

RECYCLING

Recycling begins when

start buying recycled 05 you products”

06

Adapted seeds: The missing link in the fight against drought

QUARTER 04 ISSUE 08 / 17

ENERGY

08

COP23

Energy Investiments And Finance Vital For The Developing World Energy Story

Last phase of Part 1 of the Green Innovations Hub (Gihub) project

Creating opportunities from waste through green partnerships

Page 8

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Page 4

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SustainZim named Best

Upcoming Community 02 Newspaper

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QUARTER 03 ISSUE 11 / 18

QUARTER 02 ISSUE 10 / 18

Mushroom farming

CONSERVATION

RECYCLING

16

food security in 02 for Zimbabwe

Facing Extinction

ENERGY

CONSERVATION

BIODIVERSITY

05

Indigenous Fruits of Zimbabwe

BIODIVERSITY

Exceptional 10 The Resurrecting Bush

CLIMATE CHANGE

change in 12 Climate urban areas

LIVELIHOOD

The Loval Food 04 Economy

BIODIVERSITY

07

The Good Food Festival

Saving the Samanga

and 12 Baboons Climate Change

15

Solar Irrigation restores food security to a starving community

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WEBSITE

a bag is made from 12 How pellets to bags

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SMART FARMING CONSERVATION

Negotiations 08 Change (COP23)

Enhancing food security through solar-powered irrigation in Matabeleland

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QUARTER 01 ISSUE 09 / 18

Killing for Conservation

the Face of 06 Climate Change

Page 4

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Livestock Production in

INNOVATION

Unicef Green Innovations Hub Phase II Launch

05

F E AT U R E F E AT U R E

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NEWSPAPER

42,500 page views

ARTICLES

52,000 printed copies

to a quarterly newsletter keeping contributors and stakeholders informed NOT

NOT

FOR

FOR E

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E

{ www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe} Think

Live

QUARTER 02 ISSUE 02 / 16

Stay Green!

SAL

SAL

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QUARTER 01 ISSUE 01 / 16

Think Live Stay Green!

covering various categories from policy, interviews, research, surveys, projects

FOR SAL

@sustainzim }

400 subscribers

NOT FOR

{ www.sustainzim.org

NEWSLETTER

124 written articles

distributed to universities, schools and colleges, government departments, civil society groups and individuals.

2,500 unique users of which 90% were repeat visitors from majority from Zimbabwe, RSA, USA, UK, Australia.

NOT

{ www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe} Think

Live

QUARTER 03 ISSUE 03 / 16

Stay Green!

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{ www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe} Think

CLIMATE CHANGE

CARTOON

PROFILE

ENERGY

11 Muunganirwa fish project

The Clean 05 energy Project

Introduces Zim’s own 13 climate saviour

Live

QUARTER 04 ISSUE 04 / 16

Stay Green!

SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

Changing Mindset in the face of changing climate 09

CLIMATE CHANGE

ENERGY

Improved Cookstoves

“Cutting illness, 02 not trees”

FORESTRY

10

The Kariba REDD+ Project

13

Solar lights up new hope for remote school

ENERGY

Energy 02 Sustainable for Children

05

LAND USE

MINING

COP21

SOLAR

Climate Change

Adaptation Success in 05 Buhera

How can mining become

Unpacking the Paris Agreement Prospects

more environmentally 07 sustainable

Communities Reduce

ENERGY

11

Promoting distributed renewable energy

Vulnerabilities Through 02 Effective Planning

05

How Local communities’ livelihoods are being transformed in Zimbabwe

EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT

COP21 And COP 22 Youth 10 Digital Climate Mapping

Young Africa Zimbabwe

offers Solar Technology 12 Courses

F E AT U R E

Interview with Hon. Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri (MP)

F E AT U R E

What do tertiary students know about climate change?

F E AT U R E

F E AT U R E

Water hyacinth as a source of alternative energy

Chipendeke MicroHydropower Scheme Page 8

A survey investigating the perceptions about climate change among tertiary students in Zimbabwe

E

@SustainZimbabwe}

Think

Live

{www.sustainzim.org

QUARTER 01 ISSUE 05 / 17

Stay Green!

Rainwater Harvesting

INNOVATION

06

WETLANDS

The Value of Wetlands

Young Innovator gets a

life line from GiHub and 11 Declares war on waste

@SustainZimbabwe}

Think

RECYCLING

16

Live

EDUCATION

Towards 02 aMoving Green Economy

05

F E AT U R E

Mountain Guides Boost Zimbabwe Tourism Page 8

F E AT U R E

Update: Towards the National Adaptation Plan Page 8

F E AT U R E

Community Participation in Sustainable Biodiversity Management Page 8

Connecting the Dots:

ENERGRY

Wind/Solar Hybrid 14 potential in Zimbabwe

Wildlife, The Youth & 02 Climate Change

Last phase of Part 1 of the Green Innovations Hub (Gihub) project

Page 8

Page 8

E

QUARTER 01 ISSUE 09 / 18

QUARTER 02 ISSUE 10 / 18

SMART FARMING CONSERVATION

COP23 CLIMATE CHANGE

AWARD

SustainZim named Best

Upcoming Community 02 Newspaper

INNOVATION

05

Unicef Green Innovations Hub Phase II Launch

Livestock Production in

the Face of 06 Climate Change

Summary of the2017 United Nations Climate

Change Negotiations 08 (COP23)

F E AT U R E

SAL

E

Killing for Conservation

QUARTER 04 ISSUE 08 / 17

ENERGY

Energy Investiments And Finance Vital For

The Developing World 08 Energy Story

F E AT U R E

FOR SAL

05

Adapted seeds: The missing link in the fight against drought

Creating opportunities from waste through green partnerships

NOT FOR

CLEAN UP

06

Page 4

NOT

Zimbo Green 05 January clean up

RECYCLING

Recycling begins when

you start buying recycled 05 products”

F E AT U R E

Promoting Zimbabwe’s underutilised superfoods; improving rural livelihoods

Mushroom farming

CONSERVATION

RECYCLING

How a bag is made from 12 pellets to bags

16

for food security in 02 Zimbabwe

Facing Extinction

F E AT U R E

Mountain Guides Boost Zimbabwe Tourism Page 8

BIODIVERSITY

05

Indigenous Fruits of Zimbabwe

BIODIVERSITY

The Exceptional 10 Resurrecting Bush

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change in 12 urban areas

F E AT U R E

PHOTOGRAPHY: BAD RABBIT STUDIO

F E AT U R E

Sustainability key in

development 10 inaquaculture Zimbabwe

E

QUARTER 03 ISSUE 07 / 17

CLIMATE CHANGE

AQUACULTURE

Sweden collaborates with Zimbabwe to promote green economy

SAL

E

QUARTER 02 ISSUE 06 / 17

Stay Green!

DEVELOPMENTS

Economic opportunities that lie within hyacinth

FOR SAL

DROUGHT

CLIMATE CHANGE

NOT FOR

SAL E

SAL

{www.sustainzim.org

Page 8

NOT

FOR

FOR

and Integrated Planning 02 for Resilience

Minister of Environment, Water and Climate

Page 8

NOT

NOT

PHOTOGRAPHY: BAD RABBIT STUDIO

CLEAN UP

Summary of the2017 United Nations Climate

CLIMATE CHANGE

AWARD

F E AT U R E

Promoting Zimbabwe’s underutilised superfoods; improving rural livelihoods

Green 05 Zimbo January clean up

SA L

E

QUARTER 03 ISSUE 07 / 17

QUARTER 02 ISSUE 06 / 17

Stay Green!

DEVELOPMENTS

FO

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DROUGHT

CLIMATE CHANGE

Page 8

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Minister of Environment, Water and Climate

Update: Towards the National Adaptation Plan Page 8

Enhancing food security through solar-powered irrigation in Matabeleland Page 4

SUSTAINZIM - THINK LIVE STAY GREEN!

Q4 I S S U E 1 2 / 1 8

E D I TOR I A L

NO T

SustainZim, 3 Years and Beyond

FO

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LE

QUARTER 04 ISSUE 12 / 18 WEBSITE

NEWSPAPER

42,500 page views

52,000 printed copies

NOT

400 subscribers

NOT

NOT

{ www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe} Think

Live

QUARTER 02 ISSUE 02 / 16

Stay Green!

FOR

FOR

SALE

SALE

SALE

QUARTER 01 ISSUE 01 / 16

Think Live Stay Green!

to a quarterly newsletter keeping contributors and stakeholders informed

FOR SALE

@sustainzim }

NEWSLETTER

covering various categories from policy, interviews, research, surveys, projects

NOT FOR

{ www.sustainzim.org

ARTICLES

124 written articles

distributed to universities, schools and colleges, government departments, civil society groups and individuals.

2,500 unique users of which 90% were repeat visitors from majority from Zimbabwe, RSA, USA, UK, Australia.

{ www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe} Think

Live

QUARTER 03 ISSUE 03 / 16

Stay Green!

{ www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe}

CLIMATE CHANGE

CARTOON

PROFILE

ENERGY

11 Muunganirwa fish project

The Clean 05 energy Project

Introduces Zim’s own 13 climate saviour

Think

Live

QUARTER 04 ISSUE 04 / 16

Stay Green!

By Raymond Muwaniri, POVOAfrika Trust

SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

Changing Mindset in the face of changing climate 09

CLIMATE CHANGE

ENERGY

Improved Cookstoves

“Cutting illness, 02 not trees”

FORESTRY

10

The Kariba REDD+ Project

13

Solar lights up new hope for remote school

ENERGY

Energy 02 Sustainable for Children

05

LAND USE

MINING

COP21

SOLAR

Climate Change

Adaptation Success in 05 Buhera

How can mining become

Unpacking the Paris Agreement Prospects

more environmentally 07 sustainable

Communities Reduce

ENERGY

11

Promoting distributed renewable energy

Vulnerabilities Through 02 Effective Planning

05

How Local communities’ livelihoods are being transformed in Zimbabwe

EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT

COP21 And COP 22 Youth 10 Digital Climate Mapping

Young Africa Zimbabwe

offers Solar Technology 12 Courses

F E AT U R E

F E AT U R E

What do tertiary students know about climate change?

F E AT U R E

F E AT U R E

Chipendeke MicroHydropower Scheme

Water hyacinth as a source of alternative energy

Page 8

Page 8

A survey investigating the perceptions about climate change among tertiary students in Zimbabwe

Think

Live

{www.sustainzim.org

QUARTER 01 ISSUE 05 / 17

Stay Green!

@SustainZimbabwe}

Think

Live

WETLANDS

The Value of Wetlands

Young Innovator gets a

life line from GiHub and 11 Declares war on waste

RECYCLING

16

EDUCATION

Towards 02 aMoving Green Economy

05

Sweden collaborates with Zimbabwe to promote green economy

F E AT U R E

CLIMATE CHANGE

AQUACULTURE

DEVELOPMENTS

Economic opportunities that lie within hyacinth

Sustainability key in

development 10 inaquaculture Zimbabwe

Connecting the Dots:

ENERGRY

Wind/Solar Hybrid 14 potential in Zimbabwe

Wildlife, The Youth & 02 Climate Change

RECYCLING

Recycling begins when

you start buying recycled 05 products”

06

Adapted seeds: The missing link in the fight against drought

Edition 12 is the last issue of Volume 1 and a recap of what we have covered for the past 3 years. I would like to start by thanking all our readers for the continued support, you keep SustainZim alive.

NOT FOR SALE

QUARTER 03 ISSUE 07 / 17

QUARTER 02 ISSUE 06 / 17

Stay Green!

DROUGHT

INNOVATION

06

Page 8

SALE

SALE

SALE

Rainwater Harvesting

Minister of Environment, Water and Climate

FOR

FOR

FOR

@SustainZimbabwe}

CLIMATE CHANGE

Interview with Hon. Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri (MP)

NOT

NOT

NOT

{www.sustainzim.org

and Integrated Planning 02 for Resilience

QUARTER 04 ISSUE 08 / 17

ENERGY

Energy Investiments And Finance Vital For

The Developing World 08 Energy Story

COP23 CLIMATE CHANGE

AWARD

SustainZim named Best

Upcoming Community 02 Newspaper

INNOVATION

05

Unicef Green Innovations Hub Phase II Launch

Livestock Production in

the Face of 06 Climate Change

Summary of the2017 United Nations Climate

Change Negotiations 08 (COP23)

F E AT U R E

Promoting Zimbabwe’s underutilised superfoods; improving rural livelihoods

Last phase of Part 1 of the Green Innovations Hub (Gihub) project

Creating opportunities from waste through green partnerships

Page 8

Page 8

Page 4

NOT

F E AT U R E F E AT U R E

Enhancing food security through solar-powered irrigation in Matabeleland Page 4

NOT FOR

FOR SALE

SALE

QUARTER 01 ISSUE 09 / 18

QUARTER 02 ISSUE 10 / 18

SMART FARMING CLEAN UP

CONSERVATION

Zimbo Green 05 January clean up

05

Killing for Conservation

Mushroom farming

CONSERVATION

RECYCLING

How a bag is made from 12 pellets to bags

16

for food security in 02 Zimbabwe

Facing Extinction

F E AT U R E

Mountain Guides Boost Zimbabwe Tourism Page 8

BIODIVERSITY

05

Indigenous Fruits of Zimbabwe

BIODIVERSITY

The Exceptional 10 Resurrecting Bush

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change in 12 urban areas

F E AT U R E

PHOTOGRAPHY: BAD RABBIT STUDIO

2

Update: Towards the National Adaptation Plan Page 8

SustainZim is a publication that promotes a green culture within Zimbabwean homes, schools, work places and everyday lives. It aims to step up the fight against Global Warming and Climate Change by raising awareness about the need to reduce our carbon footprint and a push towards sustainable development.

It will showcase green initiatives already being done by government, civil society groups, companies and individuals.

PARTNERING We are available to work as implementing partners for projects in Zimbabwe. Get in touch if you would like to partner with us sustainzim@povoafrika.org PUBLISHERS POVOAfrika Trust (MA0001023/2015) ZIM - Harare +263 77 228 3186 / +263 77 291 8810, 1 Verona Gardens, 70 Livingstone Ave RSA - Johannesburg +27 72 600 5283 / +27 760999770 210 Klein Drakenstein, 31 Snipe Street, Horizon, 1724, Roodepoort CONTRIBUTE contribute@sustainzim.org ADVERTISING A rate sheet is available on request ZIM +263 77 291 8810 / +263 77 228 3186 RSA +27 72 600 5283 / +27 760999770 Email: advertise@sustainzim.org Limited Space Available!

KEY PERSONNEL EDITOR Archibald Mathibela PROJECT COORDINATOR Raymond Muwaniri DESIGN AND LAYOUT Baynham Goredema FINANCE DIRECTOR Rodrick Longwe CARTOONIST Tafadzwa Tarumbwa DISCLAIMER SustainZim is published by POVOAfrika Trust. The information, opinions and views set out in this journal are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of POVOAfrika Trust nor any of their partners.

Neither POVOAfrika Trust nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. Neither are they responsible for citing references within articles, stated facts or credits to photos supplied, this is the responsibility of the contributor. Rights to the photographs and articles remain with the photographers and with the authors respectively.

Contact them respectively for reproduction. While all care has been taken during proofing, errors and omissions may slip through and we sincerely apologise for these.

I

n this editorial I will be reflecting on what we have achieved and where more work is needed. When we created this green paper, we set out on a mission to inform and educate Zimbabweans on all aspects of Sustainable Development. SustainZim website attracted over 42,500 page views, 2,500 unique users of which 90% were repeat visitors. We also distributed 120,000 physical copies of the newspaper countrywide to universities, schools and colleges, government departments, civil society groups and individuals.

These were the target groups because; education on Sustainable Development should start in 2nd and 3rd level, government departments have influence and affect policy change, civil society groups are heavily involved in Sustainable Development work especially in the fight against climate change and global warming.

SustainZim set out to showcase green initiatives around Zimbabwe and create a platform for potential partnerships and develop opportunities that stimulate positive change. In Volume 1, 124 articles were published, these were received from individuals with a passion for Sustainable Development as well as from organisations and government departments. To name and thank a few people who continuously contributed to SustainZim; Prisca Daka, Nevson Mpofu, Innocent Katsande, Caroline Jacquet, Amy Wickham, Oswald Simbarashe Chisanga, Martha Munyoro Katsi, Joy Mlambo, Nevson Mpofu and many more. These are people independent of each other, showing that the passion for Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe is there. The top 3 most read articles are; 1 ‘How can mining become more environmentally friendly’

by EMA, 2 ‘Chipendeke Micro Hydropower Scheme’ by Sustain Staff, 3 ‘Young Africa Zimbabwe offers Solar Technology Courses’, by Maloon Dahwa. I would also like to thank our cartoonist Tafadzwa Tarumbwa for his contributions. He came up with the best illustrations that got the point across. Tafadzwa is available on +263 772998187.

In terms of partnerships, more work needs to be done. SustainZim managed to partner with a few organisations; UNICEF, UNDP, HIVOS and the Development Reality Institute Africa.

We intended on initiating more partnerships that were independent of SustainZim. If there are any such partnership that were created through SustainZim, please let us know. We want to know more about the impact we have brought, if we have influenced any positive changes, encouraged someone to pursue a green project. Emulation of successful projects is another aspect we need to work on using the networks we have created. SustainZim set out to be the hub for information on Sustainable Development. 30% of the visitor to our website are Zimbabwean, 11% USA, 9% SA, 3% UK, 3% Australia.

We are reaching out beyond our borders, hopefully this can lead to someone accessing more information to stimulate initiatives, more opportunities for collaborations and accessing money through donor funding and green enterprise.

Going forward, we want to focus more on actual environmental damage brought upon by the residents, farmers, miners, companies and other elements. We are looking to get into investigative journalism to get the facts on the impacts to our environment.

We are looking to work with young bright journalists and lawyers who are passionate about the environment.

Please get in touch with the Sustain team on the email below. We are still looking to increase our circulation from 10,000 copies per edition, as well as having copies available in indigenous

languages. Everything is subject to funding and we are open to any potential partnerships that can help make this a success.

As SustainZim, in the next 3 years we intend to engage the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education o n i n t ro d u c i n g Su s t a i n a b l e Development as a mandatory subject in high schools, like Maths and English. It is the right of every Zimbabwean citizen to know about Sustainable Development and practice it in their various fields, whether a doctor, a teacher, a soldier, we are all responsible for the task of reducing our carbon footprint. If we can influence the younger generation by educating all of them, the future will have well versed leaders and individuals to the benefit of our environment, which is ultimately our home. SustainZim would also like to pursue more outreach to people affected by the effects of climate change, tell their stories and help where possible. Climate Change is real. On top of the current economic situation, Zimbabwe is facing a future of erratic rainfall which will affect farming output, with farming being our biggest economic contributor.

We are facing, higher temperatures which will lead to more wild fires, more droughts, more disease because of increased poverty (E.g. Cholera).

As a country we need to work towards sustainable alternatives to our damaging activities and increased food security.

SustainZim would like to thank its funders; HIVOS, UNICEF a n d U N DP. Wi th o u t th e s e organisations the paper would have never been a reality. I would also like to thank the SustainZim staff, who make the paper possible, for staying committed through various challenges. SustainZim won the ‘Best Upcoming Community Paper’ at the 2017 Youth Empowerment Youth Voice Journalist Awards. This is proof that we are on the right track, we are getting acknowledgements from the greater public. For more information, potential partnerships and funding opportunities please get in touch with us, contribute@sustainzim.org.

We are going to continue to promote a green culture in Zimbabwe and continue to change mindsets towards a more sustainable way of living.

3

SUSTAINZIM - THINK LIVE STAY GREEN!

Q4 I S S U E 1 2 / 1 8

S U RV E Y

Feedback from our readers In the last two quarters we carried out a survey of our readers and we would like to thank all those who responded and gave us some valuable feedback. We are looking to add to our offering. Below are some of the stats and suggestions in improving our paper.

Would you consider having a regular column in the paper?

Would you consider sponsoring an edition?

Would you consider sponsoring an intern for only need $200/month?

11.1%

33.3% 22.2%

22.2%

66.7% Yes No Contact us with more info

22.2%

33.3%

44.4%

55.6%

Yes No Contact us with more info

What content would you like to see included in the newsletter?

More and policy in relation to Sustainable Development Initiatives in industry in Biological Sciences as well as solar energy and solar energy based agricultural initiatives DIY info on sustainable environmental issues in under developed regions in Zimbabwe Something regular on National Parks issues and protected areas.

What other content would you like to find on the website?

More surveys More on wildlife conservation, animal projects.

Listing and directory Technical information.

We want to know more about sustainable development goals More news on communities living adjacent to protected areas.

Yes No Contact us with more info

How has SustainZim changed your view of Sustainable Development?

I am more conscious about my carbon footprint Its a vehicle of information dissemination that has kept me abreast with sustainable projects and development happening around the country.

It has given me a broader outlook at local initiatives Taught us how to work for ourselves than waiting for the government to improve our way of life .

This is a great paper!

SustainZim is what it says, Sustaining Zimbabwe for the future SustainZim is what it says, Sustaining Zimbabwe for the future After I realized that politics does not determine my destiny as an individual but working for myself now I have six hectares of tomatoes and green beans

SustainZim is doing a great job of disseminating information and documenting Zimbabwe’s sustainable development journey SustainZim is what it says, Sustaining Zimbabwe for the future SustainZim is a vital publication. It reminds each one of us that our own personal actions not only matter but can make a difference.

It educates, encourages and illuminates Zimbabweans about how we can secure a healthy future for our country now! This magazine should be compulsory reading for every Person who likes to think himself “an educated Zimbabwean”.

SUSTAINZIM - THINK LIVE STAY GREEN!

4 Q4 I S S U E 1 2 / 1 8

ISSUE 01

What do tertiary students know about climate change?

By Raymond Muwaniri - POVOAfrika Trust

A

survey investigating the perceptions about climate change among tertiary students in Zimbabwe conducted by POVOAfrika Trust in partnership with HIVOS. Between February to May 2015, POVO Afrika traveled to the five major cities in Zimbabwe and managed to i nte r v ie w 1 0 0 0 pa rtic ipa nt s in eight different institutions.

All participants involved in this process were students who are the core future of Zimbabwe.

Objectives for this survey were to; i) find out how much tertiary students know about climate change and how its affecting Zimbabweans. ii) find out the students position on rural areas and Zimbabwe’s indigenous knowledge.

The clean energy project

By Jeremiah Mushosho - UNICEF

T

here is a realized general environmental degradation that is emanating from the ever growing population which puts demands and pressures on resources in Zimbabwe. The energy sector is most severely affected area. The situation of lacking energy access and increasing energy demand is escalated by constant power cuts, increased population demanding fire wood fuel and increased resettlements. A drying climate which has seen the drying up of Zimbabwe’s biggest hydro-Power Station at the Kariba Dam. School children are most affected as they need energy for lighting, cooking, access to health services, access to technology and information, yet this access has been largely lacking.

There is a unique opportunity for youth to embark on clean energy projects to benefit them and their communities and the clean energy project seemed to engage with and deliver such capacity in order to facilitate youth to avail of this opportunity.

Forests for food security and nutrition

By Violet Makot - Forestry Commission

S

ince time immemorial, trees and forests have been credited with reversing the impact of land degradation, provision of food, energy and income as well as enabling communities to achieve long-term economic and env ironmental sustainability. This is besides giving other environmental benefits like filtering the air to help stave off the

effects of climate change. These have also traditionally provided habitats from which people hunt animals and insects and gather plants and innumerable organic materials. Forest plants are used as building materials, medicine, food, oils, perfumes, pigments, dyes, gums and resins.

Insects are gathered as protein sources and are used for natural pest control.

The Kariba REDD+ Project

By Charles Ndondo - Kariba REDD+ Project

M

an-made global warming threatens the basis of life, foremost it is threatening the poorest countries, and increasingly it threatens the standard of living in the industrialized world. Market based mechanisms are a strong and proven tool, beyond energy efficiency and savings, for the fight against climate change. For every ton of avoided greenhouse gas emissions, achieved by reducing deforestation and degradation, the Kariba REDD+ project is receiving carbon credits which can be sold to companies and institutions with a voluntary or compliance carbon reduction strategy. Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) is a mechanism that has been under negotiation by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 2005, with the objective of mitigating climate change through reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases through enhanced forest management in developing countries.

The 2016 Traditional and Organic Food and Seed Festival roars to life!

By Caroline Jacquet - Bio Innovation Zimbabwe

D

ear Aunty Simukai/ I’ve been meaning to write to you for a few months now to tell you about something really exciting happening in Harare which I am sure will interest you. Ever since I was a child I have heard you talking about the need for us to ditch junk food and return to healthy, traditional foods like the ones which you used to give us when we visited you kumusha. Well, do you remember when you visited us in 2013 and we

went to the Food Festival together at the Harare Botanical Gardens?

You said how much you enjoyed it.

Well you would not believe what has happened since then. It is like Harare has traditional and organic food fever!

It seems as though everyone is talking about going traditional. You can now buy all kinds of traditional and organic products in supermarkets and many are now packaged with brand names!

Climate change impact to the horticulture and rural producers

Sustainable development calls for concerted efforts towards building on an inclusive, sustainndeed, a lot of valuable information has been churned Climate-change. able and resilient future But the aggregate difference is the application of such information to the for most people and planet. relevant sector of food production, which, are the rural producers.

The negligence

By Israel T. Mabhoo - Alternative Business Alliance

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by the relevant authorities to provide such information to this Sector which depend on the weather and seasonal performances is a great denial and betrayal to the people’s livelihoods. The Climate-change is no longer the technical issue to be known by the academics of this field alone, but the manner in which this knowledge has been unpacked is meant for every human being to understand.

What is Sustainable Development?

It has been defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

For sustainable development to be achieved, it is crucial to harmonize these three core elements

These elements are interconnected and all are crucial for the well-being of individuals and societies.

Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions is an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. To this end, there must be promotion of sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth, creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering equitable social development and inclusion, and promoting integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.

SOURCE: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/

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ISSUE 01

Climate change impact to the horticulture and rural producers

By Joy Mlambo - Development Reality Institute

By Anna Brazier - Consultant

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he cl i m ate ch ange topic, is a well-known conversation-killer. Most people just don’t want to think about it, either because it seems irrelevant or because it is a frightening concept. Some are in denial; others are skeptical that it is a real phenomenon or actually caused by human activities. Like it or

Changing mindsets in the face of a changing climate

not, it is something which we are going to have to talk more and more about and talking has got to lead on to urgent action. So what do Zimbabweans think about climate change? Last year Research and Advocacy Group (RAU) conducted a rapid study to try to find out.

limate change has become one of the worst global crises of the 21st century. Whether one believes this phenomenon or not, its effects C have been and will remain relentless especially on developing countries

already crippled by poverty. Collective global action on climate change must therefore no longer be an agenda item for discussion, but a priority.

There is undoubtedly therefore a dire need to bring to bare all necessary resources and efforts to fight climate change by means of both mitigation and adaptation. In the face of this increasing environmental crisis and in addition to the already existing social and economic hardships in the global environment, youth and children are amongst the worst affected.

The Emerge Competition: ‘Living Tomorrow’

By Ruvimbo Moyo - Emerge

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n July 2015, Ruvimbo Moyo launched Emerge, a competition that promotes innovative concepts that re-think the current rural and urban conditions, reaping new proposals that are a direct reflection of the continent’s transformative efforts and mobilizing young architects to make vital contributions to their communities and countries. The competition aims to bring together the wealth of talent in universities, government, organisations and general public seeking solutions by creating a database of ideas that can be funded both privately and publicly. The 2015 theme ‘Living Tomorrow’ challenged students to apply their design skills on the issue of sustainability. The students were required to define ‘a building of the future’ and to explore an architectural program that considers environmental and agricultural solutions, cultural barriers, building technology and that addresses affordability.

Illustrator: Tafadzwa Tarumbwa Written by: Elton Mjanana & Raymond Muwaniri

In each issue Luthando and Masimba will be tackling different issues to do with climate change and sustainable development by speaking directly with the affected communites.

Green Agents, Luthando and Masimba are super heroes dedicated to restoring the earth’s dignity and preservation through adherence to principles of living ‘green’. Being ten year olds, their special interest is in their peers and teenagers, whom they relate to and believe in ‘catching them young’. Using their unique powers, that include flying to far-away places at the speed of lighting, talking to nature & animals and predicting the future coupled with their special gifts for persuasion, they will turn mindsets and change behavior and attitudes where climate change and green issues are concerned. Their mission is to use humans to save the World through empowering them with knowledge and awareness on the issues around them, their environment and ecosystem etc.

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ISSUE 01

Solar brings joy to Gwanda

Adapting to climate change through protecting and enriching natural woodlands and forests in Malipati, Chiredzi

By Martha Munyoro Katsi - Practical Action

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outhern Alliance for Indigenous Resources (SAFIRE), a regional NGO based in Zimbabwe, has embarked on a number of projects over the years through initiatives that promote Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). Zimbabwe is a country of about 13 million people, with a fluid, agro based economy and

about 70% of the population living in rural areas. On the southern part of Zimbabwe, on the edge of one of the largest nature reserves in the country, the Gonarezhou National Park, lies Malipati, a community fighting to prevent the eventual effects of climate change on their livelihoods.

Muunganirwa fish project

Quick Facts

By Raymond Muwaniri - POVOAfrika Trust

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The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a species of tilapia, a cichlid fish native to Africa from Egypt south to East and Central Africa, and as far west as Gambia.

uunganirwa Village is located in Ward 14 Muchapondwa, Bindura District.

The village is under Chief Musana and the local Village Head (Sabhuku) is Ishmile Muunganirwa. The village has a population of 463 people in 105 households. Muunganirwa Fish a n d Horticulture Cooperative has 65 members, 27 from Chakona village and 42 members from Muunganirwa, 22 men and 20 women. The cooperative has a total area of about 26 hectares where they practice fishery projects and horticulture, growing cucumbers, peanuts, potatoes, tomatoes, beans among other vegetables.

The abundant spring water in the area is used for irrigation of crops and the fish project. In 2006 the cooperative entered the Zimbabwe Plough Conservation Competition coordinated by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). They became district winners, provincial winners and 5th in the national competitions.

Biotechnology trust of Zimbabwe project supported by UNDP-Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme

9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION &

INFRASTRUCTURE

2030

2 ZERO HUNGER

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10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES

11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND

12 RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION

COMMUNITIES

GOOD HEALTH & WELL BEING

& PRODUCTION

It is the most commonly cultured cichlid.

Groups of Nile tilapia establish social hierarchies in which the dominant males have priority for both food and mating.

In recent research done in Kenya, this fish has been shown to feed on mosquito larvae, making it a possible tool in the fight against malaria in Africa.

Circular nests are built predominantly by males through mouth digging to become future spawning sites.

Aquaculture of the Nile tilapia dates back to Ancient Egypt.

It is an omnivore, feeding on plankton as well as on higher plants.

SOURCE: HTTPS://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/NILE_TILAPIA

By Martha Munyoro Katsi - Practical Action

of the project portfolio is on Climate Change mitigation and resilience and one of these is BTZ in Mawire Ward 4, Hwedza District, Mashonaland East Province. Hwedza District has experienced the devastating effects of climate change such as erratic rainfall and very high temperatures which have crippled agricultural production in this region that is strongly dependent on agriculture for food and income generation.

1 NOPOVERTY

It lives for up to 9 years.

Harnessing solar power to tackle energy poverty in rural Zimbabwe and Malawi

By Tsitsi Wutawunashe - Biotechnology Trust Of Zimbabwe

In the wake of severe recurrent droughts in Zimbabwe that have been attributed to climate change which has caused dramatic and devastating changes in weather patterns across the globe, BTZ project under Wedza district has not been spared.

As if this is not enough, the 20152016 El Niño effect has resulted in severe high temperatures across the country. Of the 172 projects funded

by GEFSGP across Zimbabwe, 17%

After spawning in a nest made by a male, the young fry or eggs are carried in the mouth of the mother for a period of 12 days.

FISH PHOTO: BJØRN CHRISTIAN TØRRISSEN , WWW.BJORNFREE.COM

By Thubelihle Nyoni - Southern Alliance for Indigenous Resources (SAFIRE)

wanda District is one of the driest areas in Zimbabwe. The district is in farming natural region 5 of the country and receives very little rainfall. As such the people in Gwanda have always been hit by severe droughts and hunger.

The 2015/16 agricultural season was bad for the farmers as most parts of the country received very low rainfall. Things are beginning to change for small holder farmers who have always struggled to survive in the harsh environment. Despite low rainfall in the areas,villagers in various wards in Gwanda are now smiling all the way to their gardens, thanks to the Trocaire and Jersey Overseas Aid Commission ( JOAC) funded solar powered garden projects being implemented

by Practical Action in wards 6,7,8,9,13 and 14 in Gwanda. Lack of water due to climate change has affected most parts of the country resulting in most fields in Gwanda not being tilled.

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n most parts of Africa, irrigation agriculture is performed with the use of fossil fuels or labour intensive technologies. In Zimbabwe, in Gwanda district,Matabeleland South province, farmers are using diesel powered combustion engines to drive pumps, whilst in Malawi, in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts,the Southern Region of Malawi farmers are using treadle pumps to irrigate their farms. The use of diesel is very expensive and also pollutes the environment and the air, whilst treadle pumps are laborious and need a lot of energy to operate, the total irrigated area is small due to the capacity of treadle pump. The technologies currently in use in Malawi and Zimbabwe present challenges for the communities. The SE4RC project is an exciting initiative that has the potential to greatly improve the socio-economic status of the rural communities in the said two countries.

QUALITY EDUCATION

13 CLIMATE ACTION

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GENDER EQUALITY

BELOW 14 LIFE WATER

WATER 6 CLEAN AND SANITATION

15 LIFE ON LAND

& 7 AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY

WORK 8 DECENT AND ECONOMIC

JUSTICE 16 PEACE, AND STRONG INSTITIONS

17 PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

The Sustainable Development Goals, otherwise known as the Global Goals, build on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), eight anti-poverty targets that the world committed to achieving by 2015.

GROWTH

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ISSUE 02

Improved Cookstoves “Cutting illness, not trees”

By Innocent Katsande - OXFAM in Zimbabwe

By Amy Wickham - UNICEF Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, 73.9 per cent of use solid fuels as Ithenhouseholds primary source of domestic

energy to cook1. Increasingly, this unsustainable harvesting of trees for fuelwood is contributing to deforestation. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution are associated with a broad range of acute and chronic impacts on health however, because of use of biomass as the main source of energy by households

in Zimbabwe, indoor air pollution is a higher priority issue with regards to the effects of air pollution on health.

According to the World Health Organization, “4.3 million people a year die prematurely from illness attributable to the household air pollution caused by the inefficient use of solid fuels”

Sustainable Energy for Rural Communities

By Martha Munyoro Katsi - Practical Action

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imbabwe lies in one of the best solar radiation belts in the world, averaging at 2 100 Kwh/m²/ per year and 3 000 sunshine hours/year(equivalent to 300 days of sunshine per year) but the country has not fully capitalised on this opportunity for socio-economic transformation. Many citizens struggle economically, socially and technologically because they do not have access to energy and the services it enables. However, with funding from the European Union, Practical Action and partners through the SE4RC project are changing this by connecting irrigation schemes, business centres, a school and a clinic to a solar mini grid in rural Gwanda. Smallentrepreneur Mr. Winnie Sebata (67) runs a general dealer at Mashaba Business Centre and is planning to expand to sell solar products.“I am happy because of this 99kW powered solar project.

Zimbabwe’s one and only Traditional and Organic Food and Seed Festival is back! e love every season for different reasons, but even we’ll admit that spring is one of the best. Blooming jacarandas, days nice and warm and slowly lengthening,... and time for our annual Traditional and Organic Food and Seed Festival! So put on your hats and sunscreen, round up the family and join us for a day full of cooking and (most importantly) eating, on Saturday 1st October at the Harare Botanical Gardens.

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oaz Chimombe a Master Farmer in Ward 28 of Buhera South District with the support of Oxfam and partners is leading the way in practicing conservation farming and showing fellow farmers in the District that climate change adaptation is possible with minimum resources and mechanization equipment even in the most difficulty of conditions. The 2015 /2016 farming season has been severely affected due to the effects of Elnino. Buhera was one of the locations which recorded the highest temperatures across Zimbabwe, getting as high as 45 degrees Celsius, in contrast rainfall was at its all time lowest with the district having only received 120ml by mid February fueling a wide spread of crop failure for small holder farmers growing maize and other traditional varieties which usually do well in hush conditions.

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2015/16 Green Innovations Hub

By Green Innovations Hub

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g n i t i n g G re e n In n o v a t i o n , Catalysing Change. The Green Innovations Hub (GiHUB) is an incubation space which seeks to ignite social change and unlock the potential of young people in contributing to sustainable development through novel ideas around smart energy. The purpose of the GiHUB is to facilitate the transformation of promising ideas into practical solutions that address real social challenges faced by local communities in which the young

people are resident. The GiHUB offers a project financing facility, incubation and mentorship as well as connecting young innovators to industry giants. The 9 winners were Desire Mukuta, Felicity Bgwoni, Kudzanai Chikarango, Tinashe Manyonga , Patience Majoni, Tafadzwa Mahachi, Tendai Mugovi, Treasure Mabhena andValerie Dewah.

To Be A Great Company, You Need To Be A Good Company

By By Collins Nyamadzawo - Junior Energy Consultant

By Caroline Jacquet - Bio Innovation Zimbabwe

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Climate Change Adaptation Success in Buhera

We’ll have an early start with a morning exercise (AfroFit) followed by healthy and traditional breakfasts; an even greater diversity of stalls where visitors can view, sample and purchase some of Zimbabwe’s best and tastiest organic and traditional foods and drinks; a seed expo, where seeds can be exchanged and purchased; and cooking demonstrations and talks, a great way to pick up new skills or ask the chefs a question.

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ome of the gaming people here might be familiar with was is called the “Cadmium Crisis” of December 2001. This was a time when 1.3 million boxes of Sony Play station games where blocked for shipment world-over by the Dutch Government from a storage warehouse, this was at the time the Sony management thought their product will be on the store shelves before Christmas.

Was it some trade war or embargo against violent video games? I’am sure the Sony management where hoping it was something that easy to rectify. This was because of a small but legally unacceptable amount of Cadmium discovered in the cables of the game controls, the losses were so huge. In replacing the cables and inspecting all 6 000 factories in an 18 month period lost US$130 Million and have since vowed never to be caught unaware of environmental issues again. The lesson from this experience is that: The environment is not a fringe issue, it can cost businesses real money.

The Genesis...

Certain things in life are just meant to be. Water courses through rivers, days change into nights and nights become days. It is the natural course of all things since inception. Still, mankind grapples with the meaning of existence eternally searching for answers. It takes the most sensitively attuned to provide answers to life’s everyday challenges. At Junechild Corporate, we have the most creative solutions to help simplify your product offering.

Whatever you imagine. Junechild Corporate creates it.

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Copywriting for Newsletters Websites Social Media Adverts Blogs

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ISSUE 02

Chipendeke Micro-Hydropower Scheme

By Raymond Muwaniri - POVOAfrika Trust

hipendeke is a rural settlement with a catchment area of 9 villages C located 65km outside Mutare, Ward

22 Mupudzi in Manicaland. $65,000 was donated by the European Union for the Chipendeke MicroHydro Project through the African Caribbean Pacific Energy Facility.

Practical Action, an international organisation dealing with smarter technologies to eradicate poverty was responsible for the implementation of this project. In October 2008, a potential site for the micro-hydro

Mr. Green Ambassador - The Dereck Mpofu story

By By Ancillar Dick - Green Anbassadors Trust

plant was identified along the Chitoro River that runs through Chipendeka.

Practical Action began conducting capacity-building workshops with the community and challenged them to come up with a Community Based Plan document. The plan was approved and a Memorandum of Understanding was drafted. Practical Action would provide the financial resources and technical skills while the community provided labour and raw materials (quarry stones, pit and river sand).

The Kariba REDD+ Project Update

By Charles Ndondo - Carbon Green Africa

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ast December, nearly 200 governments signalled the end to the fossil fuel era, agreeing to, for the first time, a universal agreement to slash greenhouse gas emissions and to avoid the dangerous impacts of climate change. The inclusive nature of the so-called Paris Agreement is radically different from the Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, which drew sharp divisions between the obligations of developing countries and wealthier nations, and that ultimately failed to lower emissions. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement hinges on political will and on countries putting forth and following up on their own climate action plans. The Paris Agreement, advocating a goal to reach net zero emissions in the second half of the century, is sending strong signals to global markets, pushing for a quicker transition away from fossil fuels towards a clean low-carbon economy.

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hen Dereck Mpofu first came to the scene in 2012 as an almost unknown African Environmentalist, all we knew about him was he was the young man behind the voice that brought us ‘Chisikana Changu Zimbabwe’, and was appointed the Green Ambassador by the Harare City Council. It was his song Tisarase Marara that caught the attention

of the country, where he challenged people not to throw litter everywhere as environmental pollution was a resultant factor and we assumed that he would end there. We were somewhat surprised when the Green Ambassador re-appeared on our radar with a historical move that got the attention of clergymen all around Zimbabwe. A man that would not waver his views on the limitations of growth that we had imposed on ourselves as a resultant of our actions and how we were jeopardizing the future of generations to meet their own needs.

Responding to climate change in Gwanda district

By Collen Mutasa / John Siambare - Environment Africa / Practical Action

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rocaire, with funding from UKAid, is supporting some projects aimed at building resilience against climate shocks and increasing adaptation to climate change among smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe and Malawi. In Zimbabwe, the projects are being implemented through partners, Dabane Trust, Environment Africa, Practical Action and Zimpro. The project sites are in Gwanda, Insiza and Matobo districts in Matebeleland South, a province that generally receives very low seasonal rainfall. As part of creating awareness

among media personnel about practical

Fix Up Greenwood Park

By Samantha Mandiveyi - JCI CIty - ZImbabwe

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t t h e Ju n i o r C h a m b e r International ( JCI) City presentation meeting, the Fix-up Greenwood Park project proposal was lauded as an impressive and ambitious project. And ambitious it is. The objective? “ To transform Greenwood Park and increase the levels of use, physical activity, overall health and wellbeing of the community,” said Qhelile Ndlovu who is currently heading up the project. She was frank about the

amount of time, money and hard team work it will take to make this a reality.

Greenwood Park is one of Harare’s city parks. Nested in the heart of the Avenues, it was envisioned to be a bustling community park for children and adults alike; but due to lack of maintenance the park has deteriorated. Regardless of this, some of the communities that surround Greenwood Park still use it.

cases of climate change adaptation, Environment Africa conducted a media tour on 25 February 2016 with a group of 18 journalists from different media houses in Bulawayo.

Siva garden, a garden being implemented by Practical Action in Gwanda district, was among a few Trocaire funded projects visited. The garden is run by 32 women who grow a variety of vegetables for their own consumption and also for sale.

Solar lights up new hope for remote school

By Anesu Freddy - UNDP

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t’s September 2014. Joyce Tangwara has just arrived at her new teaching assignment at Nyatsato Primary School. She is devastated at having to adjust to her new environment. Unlike in her hometown of Norton, she now has the additional tasks of looking for, and cooking with firewood. Water access is no longer convenient. She cannot listen to the radio or watch her favourite TV show. To call her family at home, she has to walk some distance to find pockets of mobile network which is often erratic. Nyatsato Primary School is in Rushinga District, Mashonaland Central, about 240km away from Harare. A few kilometres away from the school is Zimbabwe’s boundary with Mozambique. There is no electricity or conveniently taped water. Poor roads make it difficult to access. The classrooms and teacher’s accommodation have deteriorated and need urgent repair.

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ISSUE 02

Own Your Rubbish: Green Discourse to National Gallery of Zimbabwe wn Your Rubbish at face value, offers crucial insights into the effect that Humanity and its consumption has on the Earth; moreover this exhibition shows the self-destructive impact that, as a race, Humanity continues to indulge itself in its implosive approach to surviving on the planet by use of hazardous materials which will in the long run devastate each

shocasing a variety projects dealing with sustainable development around Zimbabwe

By National Art Gallery Zimbabwe

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A collection of videos from Dr Pamela Ngwenya

and every biome existent on the planet.

A brainchild of photographer Laurie MacPherson featuring various creative enterprises and eight visual artists. The means in which the race will extinguish itself are somewhat out of a Cold War Nuclear War novel; however the reality of the Science and Security Board has extended its focus on Climate Change as opposed to Nuclear arsenals.

Developing climate change mitigation and adaptation responses through climate smart agriculture in Zimbabwe

By Desire Nemashakwe - Green Impact Trust

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s a member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Zimbabwe has been actively participating in global efforts to address climate change through various programmes, including the National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS), the Climate Policy (CP), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Agricultural policies and other adaptation plans and mitigation actions. With agriculture being one of the largest contributors to

economic growth and development through direct and indirect employment, food security and other development indicators, it becomes vital to increase the country’s adaptive capacity to the negative impacts of climate change.

View all videos at her Vimeo page https://vimeo.com/user2299194 Mountain of Hope organic farmers association Mountain of Hope is an organic farmers association in Wedza, Zimbabwe, with a community garden project, founded in 2011. The project is jointly facilitated by the Fambidzanai Permaculture Training Centre (FPTC) and the Zimbabwe Organic Producers Association (ZOPPA) based in Harare. The project and project members sell to neighbouring households, nearby boarding schools and to supermarkets in Harare.

Introducing Chikukwa Ecological Land Use Community Trust The Chikukwa Ecological Land Use Community Trust (CELUCT) in Chikukwa, Chimanimani district, is an inspiring community permaculture project that began in 1991.

Victoria Falls Eco-composting Wisdom Sibanda of Victoria Falls shares with us how to make an eco-composting pit at home. The method encourages worms and natural organisms to break down food and garden waste to create a fertile organic compost.

Kufunda - a community of learning We are learning our way into what it takes to build healthy and vibrant community. Our journey is one of exploring and seeking to live what we believe to be possible, perhaps even living the future today.

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ISSUE 03

Sustainable Energy for Children

By Amy Wickham - UNICEF Zimbabwe

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ituation Analysis of the energy status of institutions that support children in five districts of Zimbabwe. Access to energy is fundamental to improving the quality of life and is a key imperative to the development of children. Lack of access to energy services dramatically affects and undermines health, limits opportunities for education and development and can reduce a family’s potential to rise out of poverty.

Access to energy for cooking is important for children’s nutrition and disease prevention and the choice of energy for cooking also determines the frequency and adequacy of meal preparation of households. In Zimbabwe access to electricity is low, especially in rural areas where only 19% of the population have access to electricity.

A bird school in a biodiversity hotspot

By WILDLIFE VUMBA

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ildlife Vumba is a start-up conservation initiative. Its mandate is to “bring together conservation groups working in Zimbabwe’s Vumba mountains”. One of the most rewarding collaborations has been with professional bird guide, Peter Magosvongwe. Magosvongwe, who lives in the populous rural district of Chigodora, just west of the Vumba, runs an innovative bird school programme. At the moment he runs bird clubs in 12 primary and secondary schools in and around the Vumba. Nearly 700 children are taught bird identification skills and about nature conservation by the peripatetic birder, who travels between the schools each week on a motorbike funded by a local farmer.

Magosvongwe has recently expanded his lessons to include water health surveys in local rivers, using the MiniSASS method. MiniSASS is a simple tool for assessing the range of macroinvertebrate groups in water, which can then be used to gauge water quality.

Unpacking the Paris Agreement Prospects

By By Veronica N. Gundu-Jakarasi - Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate

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imbabwe has been influential i n th e C l i m a te C h a n g e Negotiations for the past 21 years.

The establishment of the Climate Change Management Department in 2013 demonstrated Government’s commitment in addressing the climate change challenges and the need to build a low carbon and climate resilient nation. The 21st Session of the Conference of the

Parties to the UNFCCC (COP21/ CMP11) held from 30 November 30th to 12 December 2015 in Paris, France marked one of the global successes in the climate change talks.

The Conference was crucial as it needed to adopt a new international agreement on the climate, applicable to all countries, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C or well below 1.5°C.

Climathon Challenge

By Hardlife Muhamba / Tariro Munyayi - CareerAid Trust

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he world is experiencing the rising environmental, social, economic, and security risks posed by climate change, and the delay in action will result in greater risks and costs. Climate change also brings with it an unprecedented threat to the global socio-economic development. Critical is the likelihood for serious challenges such as, increased temperatures, food shortages, and decreased quality and quantity of safe water.

Climate change and global warming is the new global battlefield and if we are to win this war then, we have to act now. “We have a huge responsibility to mitigate and adapt for our own sake and the sake of our children, because a world of extreme climate change is grim for us all” Wanjira Mathai. If you are passionate enough to contribute in creating a legacy for your children and children’s children then the time to act is now.

How can mining become more environmentally sustainable

By Environmental Management Agency

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imbabwe is endowed with rich mineral deposits, dominated by two prominent geological features namely the great dyke and ancient Greenstone Belts also known as Gold Belts. The nation has seen an increase in the number of mining activities in recent years, both small and large scale. On a positive note, mining activities are coupled with employment creation, revenue generation and community projects. However, mining inevitably impacts negatively on the environment disturbing the landscapes and ecosystems thereon.

Mining can become more environmentally friendly through developing and integrating practices that reduce the adverse environmental impact of mining operations.

Water hyacinth as a source of alternative energy

By Tonderai Mugova - Family & Friends of Rivers and Lakes in Zimbabwe (FAFORALIZ)

ater is a critical resource for our lives hence we decided to W mitigate on water hyacinth. Water

hyacinth will be used to research on organic fertiliser and input component to the biogas which is being researched by the university. We have a larger group of more than 35 volunteers on standby but we are currently working with 10 ie 5 community volunteers and 5 executive committee members.

Every community member in any community needs to be involved in

correcting and eradicating challenges in the environmental sector. Family and Friends of Rivers and Lakes in Zimbabwe (FAFORALIZ) has taken the lead role in the mobilisation of resources – human, financial and material in the removal of hyacinth from our lakes and rivers, with Shagashe River in Masvingo being our first recipient of such a noble undertaking.

Quick Facts

Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as (common) Water Hyacinth, is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin, and is often considered a highly problematic invasive species outside its native range. One of the fastest growing plants known, water hyacinth reproduces primarily by way of runners or stolons, which eventually form daughter plants.

Each plant can produce thousands of seeds each year, and these seeds can remain viable for more than 28 years. The common water hyacinth are vigorous growers known to double their population in two weeks.

The plant was introduced into Africa by Belgian colonists to Rwanda to beautify their holdings and then advanced by natural means to Lake Victoria where it was first sighted in 1988. There, without any natural enemies, it has become an ecological plague, suffocating the lake, diminishing the fish reservoir, and hurting the local economies.

Renewable Energy Association of Zimbabwe (REAZ

By T Isaiah Makusendwa - REAZ

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EAZ was formed out of a workshop we had with ZERA in 2014 when we were talking about the net metering legislation. It was felt that with the increasing number of players in the renewable energy sector we needed to have an organisation so that the members can speak with one voice. After that workshop an interim committee was set up which then started working on setting up the

association so to date the association is now fully fledged and now it has got a substantive committee elected and are now in office. REAZ welcomes all players, namely corporates, individuals, institutions and associates to join so that we can champion the use of renewable energy in a sustainable way.

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ISSUE 03

Pepukai Kunze Kwasunama - The story behind the novel

By Benson Gono - Author

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he fire started around 9 am and was only brought under control later in the afternoon. The resultant destruction of vegetation and wildlife, the enormous carbon emissions triggered my mind and l saw this as an opportunity to write a creative short story on climate change. I also realized that such a novel would go a long way in availing climate change literature in local languages. Armed with basic climate

change knowledge, I sat down and constructed my storyline. I decided that while climate change awareness was the basis of the novel, it was also going to include the pertinent aspects of climate change adaptation and mitigation. The setting was in Masvingo, precisely in the two villages that were ravaged by the veldt fire. It took me close to six months to come up with the final product.

Catch Them Young

By Oswald Simbarashe Chishanga - Save our Environment Trust (SOET)

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ave our Environment Trust (SOET) is a local NGO based in Gweru. SOET came into existence in August 2015 with the mandate to protect, conserve, enhance and restore the natural environment of Zimbabwe. It was also established to complement and support existing government and private sector initiatives that strive to protect the natural environment. The project was launched in June 2016 under the School and Community Environmental Awareness and Protection Campaign Programme. SOET has partnered with EMA and UNICEF for technical support in implementing the above mentioned project. The project is being implemented in schools in the Midlands Province for a period of five years and is targeting children between the ages of 4 and 18. Central to the conduct of the programme shall be raising awareness among school children about the need and importance of protecting the environment and supporting environment protection development initiatives in their communities . The motive for implementing environmental programmes in schools has gone a long way in imparting relevant basic knowledge to adolescents about the need to protect and maintain the environment they live in.

Distributed Renewable Energy: Powering the Future

A collection of videos from Dr Pamela Ngwenya shocasing a variety projects dealing with sustainable

By Chiedza Mazaiwana - Power for All Zimbabwe

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ower for All is a global campaign that promotes distributed of renewable energy as the key to achieving universal energy access. Why distributed renewable energy? It is fast to deploy, it is affordable, and it is easily and readily available in the market. Distributed technologies—such as solar lanterns and home systems, mini grids and micro hydro--are solutions that communities living in energy poverty can access quickly and are able to afford. The campaign was formed in 2015 by a group of leading energy access enterprises and civil society organizations working to increase energy access via sustainable distributed renewable energy markets. Today it has 120 partners and in addition to its global advocacy and awareness work, the campaign has launched specific activities in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. Globally 1.1 billion people live without energy access--a staggering figure considering the importance of energy for development and its impact on health, education, employment, enterprise, agriculture and far more. Yet, even with the launch of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative—as well as national targets for universal energy access by 2030 or earlier in many countries—the challenge is still vast and progress is far too slow.

development around Zimbabwe

View all videos at her Vimeo page https://vimeo.com/user2299194 Introducing Ebenezer Agricultural Training Centre Ebenezer runs a two year fulltime apprenticeship that enables young people (17-23 year olds) to start and run their own small-scale farm/agribusiness.

The Centre has been running since 2007 and is located in Mablauwuni Village in the dry Matopo area of Matebeleland South. The program has an ‘earn and learn’ approach and trainees do not pay anything until they start earning from sales of their produce.

Out in the field with the winners Introducing the PORET Trust

By Archibald Mathibela - POVOAFRIKA TRUST

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he Sustain Zimbabwe team went on a countrywide tour to interview all the 9 finalists for the GiHub initiative. Our task was to elicit responses from the innovators and to get the facts on the ground regarding their journey thus far and any obstacles that came with running their chosen projects. We produce a snippet of content below which is the prelude to a short documentary that will be released soon of the same exercise which will be finalized upon completion of the GiHub initiative in December. The Sustain Zimbabwe team will be doing a final lap to get a final overview of the progress of all the innovators and their projects which are

expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Going forward, innovators will continue to share experiences and the best practices acquired from running the different projects in a documentary film which captures their entire journey.

Tatiana leads Clean-up campaign in the wake of her COP21 experience

By Innocent Katsande - OXFAM in Zimbabwe

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he first ever school waste transfer centre in Zimbabwe was launched at Oriel Girls High School on the 17th of September 2016. This was in fulfilment of Tatiana Kondo’s post COP21 advocacy plans. At 15 years of age, Tatiana a form 3 student at Oriel Girls High School in Harare at the time, had the privilege of representing Zimbabwe at the COP21 in Paris as a UNICEF Youth Climate Ambassador. Though the youngest youth ambassador at the conference she managed to impress by speaking eloquently on climate change issues affecting children in Zimbabwe. As a follow up to the event she developed an advocacy plan for implementing in Zimbabwe. Being passionate about the environment and seeing the challenges of waste in her community Tatiana identified the need to instil a culture of personal responsibility for one’s waste within the community as being key.

Introducing PORET Trust, (Participatory Organic Research Extension and Training) in Manicaland, Zimbabwe.

Mr Hodere’s Experimental Permaculture Garden Mr Hodere received training in permaculture from TSURO Trust. He has a small plot in Rusitu, Chimanimani, Zimbabwe and talks about what he does

Project to Fix-Up Greenwood Park Receives a US$5,000 Grant

By By Qhelile Ndlovu - JCI City Zimbabwe

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he grant was awarded by the Global Yo u th E mp ow e r m e nt Fu n d , a partnership between Junior Chamber International ( JCI) and the SDG Action Campaign (formerly the UN Millennium Campaign), which offers grants and training to youth-led projects and social enterprises that advance the Global Goals for Sustainable Development in local communities around the world. Fix-Up Greenwood Park is a project initiated by JCI City Zimbabwe that aims to rehabilitate the park and increase its recreational and exercise facilities in order to

increase the levels of physical activity and overall health and well-being of the community. The project contributes to mitigating climate change through greening the park and transforming it into a water-wise landscape. It also provides a nature-based health and wellness solution amid the rising incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Zimbabwe. Statistics by the WHO showed that NCDs accounted for 31% of all deaths in 2014. These stats are heart-breaking because NCDs are preventable through tackling the major risk factors including an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

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ISSUE 04

Communities Reduce Vulnerabilities Through Effective Planning

How Local communities’ livelihoods are being transformed in Zimbabwe Charles Ndondo - Carbon Green Africa

By Joy Mlambo/ Sidsel K. Vognsen, UNV – UNDP/EMA

climate change. Initially the Scaling Up Adaptation project focused on the most vulnerable villages in the semiarid western part of Chimanimani.

But it soon became clear that it was not enough to single out a few villages.

The project partners found out that the Nyambeya river flows had decreased, due to that some communities upstream did not manage the land well.

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ver the past few decades, deforestation due to population growth and unstable forest management has ravaged the once magnificent forests of Zimbabwe. This not only harms the wildlife, but also erodes the soil. When the local communities learnt about an initiative to reduce deforestation and bring around sustainable livelihoods, they decided to act. Since its launch in 2011, the forest conservation project, Kariba REDD+, has contributed to the uplifting of local livelihoods, while also protecting local wildlife and the environment.

Located in the northern part of Zimbabwe, this carbon offsetting project is currently the world’s largest community REDD+ project, protecting an area of more than 700,000 hectares.

Behavior change: The panacea to climate change

Sustainable Development Goals in Zimbabwe

By Raymond Muwaniri, POVOAfrika Trust

By Bakani Mathe, Trocaire - Climate Justice Advocacy Club

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ustainZim is a POVOAfrika Trust quarterly newspaper and online magazine on Sustainable Development issues in Zimbabwe. Our major focus areas are Environmental Management, Global Warming and Climate Change, Mitigation and Adoption Strategies. In 2015, our planet recorded the hottest temperatures on record – a testimony to the global threat now posed

by Global Warming and Climate change. At the heart of all this – Sub Saharan Africa, the most susceptible region with frequent floods, cyclones, and droughts, that damage infrastructure, destroy crops, disrupt livelihoods, and cause loss of life. Never has the need for mass information been as vital as it is now – hence SustainZim! The SustainZim project adheres to all 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with particular focus on 7.

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he Lupane State University Climate Justice Club was formed with the drive to change existing perceptions about climate change.

The club is also raising awareness on diverse climatic conditions with a view to fostering sustainable environmental practices. Birthed against a background of hunger, floods and earthquakes across the globe, the club has undertaken various awareness initiatives set to inform, educate and foster change in

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Mushroom growing starts from spawn production (spawn is seed when it’s conventional farming) Usually autoclavable plastic are used but we are now using clear bottles. We wanted a model that produced less waste and cost effective. Our solution was to use clear non returnable bottles from dumps, bottle stores, homes and roadsides.

The outlook is great as we now on commercialisation stage. Benefits of this model including saving the environment, creating employment, a cleaner city, higher profitability as we cut cost, a more sustainable environmental conscious business income. The bottles have a longer life than their original use. The growing media is made of industrial waste, another opportunity to reduce waste and greening of our city and grow delicious, nutritious, healthy and organic food.

The Home of Mushrooms in Zimbabwe 0773 842 677

nmupaso@mushtella.com

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behavior towards climate change.

Initiatives to date include a cleanup campaign that was conducted in the Bulawayo central business district which drew young people from the membership and other likeminded volunteers. AFRIYOCC and the ZIM-MALAWI was the zenith of the club milestone achievements; two conferences that influenced the course of the current events which culminated in a roundtable discussion with other tertiary institutions.

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Mushrooms and Sustainable Farming

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he Scaling Up Adaptation project, implemented

by OXFAM, supp orts rural communities in Zimbabwe to reduce their vulnerability and strengthen their livelihoods. Chimanimani District is one of the many vulnerable d i s t r i c t s a ro u n d Z i m b a b w e that have been impacted by both environmental degradation and

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After 30 days mushroom

DAYS spawn is ready and bottles are cleaned and reused!

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ISSUE 04

Making a case for renewable energy intervention in Zimbabwe

Interview with Hon. Oppah MuchinguriKashiri (MP)

By Raymond Muwaniri, POVOAfrika Trust

By Nevson Mpofu

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n my boyhood, I used to marvel at the lush green forest’s natural vegetation. They were so thick and abundantly vegetated with lovely growing grasslands. Biodiversity thrived and Bio-fuel energy sources were plenty. With population growth, this natural balance of the biosphere became lopsided. Since then, massive depletion of the forest cover due to aggressive cutting down of trees for firewood has been the order of the

day. Population explosion in cities is also catalyst to the rise in energy demand. There has been passionate speculation with many arguing that previous governments in Zimbabwe were more resourceful in energy needs provision than the present. What is lost to this school of thought is that the Zimbabwean population before 1980 hovered around 4 to 5 million whereas it now stands at 13 -15 million.

Pomona Dumpsite blaze contributes to massive carbon emissions

he MEWC works well with traditional leaders who are the custodians of the natural resources in the areas under their jurisdiction in terms of the Traditional T Leaders Act. Th ey uphold norms and values that are consistent with natural resources

management and there are graduated sanctions that are imposed to environmental off enders. Cultural beliefs and values have for many years been used to protect forests, water resources and have prevented veld fires. Furthermore, the traditional leaders use their traditional courts to try off enders. Th e need to enhance participatory approach in planning is very important to enhance community ownership. Th e MEWC is represented by its parastatals at lower levels which have clear cut mandates specified in the various Acts. Issues that require ministerial intervention are thus taken up by these parastatals and as a Ministry we value stakeholder participation and have a listening ear to all stakeholders and we are ready to respond.

COP21 And COP 22 Youth Digital Climate Mapping

By Lisa Chiedza Govera

By Jeremiah Mushosho, UNICEF ZIMBABWE

eing a digital youth climate mapper has changed the way I view my role n 2015 and 2016 world leaders as a young person and my ability to voice out concerns to do with our Imet in Paris and Morocco for the B environment, as well as engaging other youths to rally behind activities that COP21 & COP22 – during which advocate againstclimate change. The timely opportunity of becoming a mapper came at the very moment my community was facing air pollution problems, and being able to report and share my personal experience made me feel that I was making a change.

decisions were made which have crucial consequences for the future of the planet. The Conference of the

Parties (COP) was designated as the supreme governing body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

AH Wapera Shaz, Hauna Bag!!! Why are you riding a bicycle? You must be a poor man?

Look at me, I live round the corner but I still drive to the shops so the girls can see me in my ride. Golf is a sexy car and attracts all the girls, they love it. Don’t tell my wife kkkkk

First of all, I am happily married and don’t need to impress the girls with a car. I cycle because it’s good for the environment and it keeps me fit and healthy. All this driving of cars is contributing to Climate Change. I do my best to reduce my Carbon Footprint, so I only drive when I need to.

OH!!! What do you drive? I bet you it’s not better than my Sexy Golf?

Actually, I drive the new 2016 BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Car. It is Environmentally Friendly, it uses less fuel therefore emits far less CO2 into the atmosphere. Most importantly in these economic challenging times, I save more money.

I judged you too soon, maybe I should get a Hybrid Car. Haha No problem Lovemore, I always encourage my friends to get Hybrid Cars, they are environmentally friendly and less costly to run. You also shouldn’t drive everywhere, try Cycling and Walking to places that are nearby and use the Carpool system.

Climate Change - a change in

regional and global climate patterns, mainly due to human activity

Carbon Footprint - the measure of the environmental impact of a particular individual or organization's lifestyle or operation, measured in units of carbon dioxide (CO2)

Hybrid Car - a car with a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor, each of which can propel it

Carpool - a group of people who travel together, especially to work or school, usually in a different member's car each day

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ISSUE 04

Putting Value in Waste

By Oswald Simbarashe Chishanga - Save Our Environment Trust

his is a Project under the Save Our Environment Trust’s T (SOET) Waste Management and

Renewable Energy Programme banner. From its inception May 2016 in Gweru, the project has become the cornerstone of our operations, expanding to Kwekwe with a launch in Gokwe already planned. The project provides companies and communities with environmentally sound management of all forms of waste and signifi cantly reduces its release to the land, air and water,

in the process minimizing waste’s adverse impact on human health and the environment. The second goal is to substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, reuse and recovering. By attaching value to waste, we hope to create a clean and safe environment and to empower the citizens and businesses operating in Gweru and Kwekwe through collection and selling of recyclable waste.

Young Africa Zimbabwe offers Solar Technology Courses

By Maloon Dahwa - Young Africa Zimbabwe

ISSUE 05

Rainwater Harvesting and Integrated Planning for Resilience

By Joy Mlambo UNV – UNDP/Environmental Management Agency

The effects of climate change have become common, however a cumulative effort is necessary if resilience is to be build. Emily Matingo a Climate Change Scientist from the Climate Change Management Department in the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate elaborates on this, “When there are climate extremes, such as drought, water levels decrease thus affecting the mandate of ZINWA whose vision rides on providing universal and affordable clean and safe water to drink and for domestic and other purposes. However, due to a decrease in water, livestock suffer as there is not enough water for them to drink and forage area and quality is affected. In addition, the community may in turn suffer as low crop yields are usually realised which may lead to malnutrition (especially in children) and food shortages.

Green Initiatives in Zimbabwe

By Raymond Muwaniri - POVOAfrika Trust

he mission of YA is to empower young people through vocational and technical skills training combined with life skills and entrepreneurship T training. Accordingly, we integrate vocational skills training in market-related

SustainZim’s mandate is to educate and inform the people of Zimbabwe about Sustainable Development and showcase initiatives being undertaken in the country. Issue’s 1-4 published in 2016 showcased initiatives by the government, civil society groups, businesses and individuals. We intend to showcase more initiatives in 2017 which can be emulated countrywide, therefore contributing towards the achievement of our Sustainable De ve l o p m e nt Go a l s ( SD G s ) .

Towards Zimbabwe’s National Adaptation Plan

The Value of Wetlands

technical, commercial and agricultural trades, small enterprise development services and life skills education. As of January 2017 Young Africa will be offering Solar Technology courses. The course will focus on Design, Installation and Maintenance of Solar systems. The introduction of this course has been necessitated by the growing number of people who are installing solar panels but without proper training and knowledge of the fundamentals of Photovoltaics hence facilitating system failures, wasting huge amounts of resources and impacting negatively on people’s confidence in Renewable Energy.

By Joy Mlambo, UNV – UNDP/Environmental Management Agency

n the Chiredzi district of Masvingo province, hell hath no fury like Iclimate extremes. The district

has seen its fair share of climatic shocks ranging from relentless high temperature extremes to increased frequency in hailstorms and flash floods while drought has become a norm. Like Chiredzi, many other districts in Zimbabwe are increasingly becoming vulnerable to similar and more severe climatic shocks. In the absence of longterm

ad apt ation mea su re s , cl i m ate change continues to create a state of vulnerability to climate impacts in these communities with women being the worst affected. Experts say that this situation is not unique. The effects of climate change are predicted to exacerbate the already existing challenges faced by developing nations, with countries in Sub-Saharan Africa—including Zimbabwe—being hardest hit.

Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe

By Innocent Katsande - OXFAM in Zimbabwe

he BCSDZ – act ively promot ing awareness , knowledge and practical expertise in Sustainable Development in business.The Business Council T for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) was previously known as

the Environmental Forum of Zimbabwe.It was formed 22 years ago by a group of leading business people in Zimbabwe who shared common concerns over environmental issues and who wished to make and encourage a commitment by business to the phased implementation of environmental management programmes, and assist in enhancing appropriate knowledge. The founding members’ companies have continued to be actively involved, and have been joined by many others over the years.While the original focus was on environmental management, in subsequent years it steadily broadened its agenda in line with international thinking to encompass Sustainable Development, involving the three interlinked pillars of economic growth, ecological balance and social progress.

In this edition we showcase ‘Rain Harvesting’ in Chiredzi aimed at scaling up adoption and improving rural livelihoods. Rain Harvesting is simply the collection of rain water for recycling, once collected the water can be used for agriculture, in times of drought and water shortages etc.

Rain water is the biggest cause of soil erosion, as water runs off it cuts though the soil creating gullies that get deeper each year.

By Freeman Asima - Intern, UNICEF Zimbabwe

Harare Province held celebrations of World Wetlands Day on the 10th of February 2017. The event held at Mukuvisi Woodlands was spearheaded by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) together with its partners; City of Harare, UNICEF, ZUNA, Conservation Society of Monavale (COSMO), Birdlife Zimbabwe, Community Alliance and Mukuvisi Woodlands. World Wetlands Day is an opportunity for the world to learn about the value and importance of wetlands. Why should you care? Consider what wetlands do for you. Wetlands are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth. They serve as a sponge, soaking up rainfall and slowly releasing it over time. They are also useful as natural sewage treatment works, absorbing chemicals, filtering pollutants and sediments, breaking down suspended solids and neutralizing harmful bacteria.

Accelerating Youth Participation and Involvement in National and International Development Processes through Youth Forums

By Darlington Tshuma - Blog for VOY

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onestly, I could not hide my excitement when I received an email from UNICEF Zimbabwe, asking if I would be interested in participating and representing young Zimbabweans at ECOSOC Global Youth Forum in New York.

The excitement stemmed from the fact that for the first time in my life, I would carry the hopes and aspirations

of millions of young Zimbabweans.

The forum would present an opportunity to talk about pertinent and real time issues affecting young people in my country. Running under the theme,‘The role of youth in poverty eradication and promoting prosperity in a changing world”.

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ISSUE 05

Promoting Zimbabwe’s underutilised superfoods; improving rural livelihoods

By Tracy Mapfumo - Bio-Innovation Zimbabwe (BIZ)

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e live in a world with huge diversity! There are nearly 300,000 different edible plant species alone. Despite this, 80% of our calorific intake is derived from less than 20 species. This is sad, but it also presents huge opportunities in terms of

re d i s cove r i ng s o m e of the underutilised, neglected species. At BioInnovation Zimbabwe (BIZ), we research, develop and promote underutilised species -mostly indigenous and often wild harvested- as new crops for smallholders.

Report on Harare’s World Wetland Day Celebrations 10 February 2017

By Leslee Maasdorp - Education representative for BirdLife Zimbabwe

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The Green Energy

By Nevison Mpofu

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ong time back in ancient days, Economic Analyst and Demographer Thomas Malthus of Britain eye opened into future séance that came to touch ground of the 21st century. Thomas talked of an over-populated World of 6 billion people that would not carry the number befitting existing resources. We are facing new Technological threshold in Energy to phase out antique Energy Technologies which have created for us emission output which have had impacts on human lives and the natural environment from which Energy sources are embedded. The important figure when talking about Solar Power is Albert Einstein, a Germany by birth, born in 14 March 1879.Albert Einstein discovered Solar Power at the age of 26.

Building Sustainable Urban Places Should be the New Urban Planning Agenda

By Mashoko S. Grey

his report chiefly focuses on the benefits gained by schools attending this event. 850 pupils plus teachers and drivers representing over 50 schools attended the event which had an impressive turnout.

Many were treated to a light lunch provided by UNICEF. This activity was designed to show off a few animals that live hidden away in the lovely grassland of Monavale Vlei and to gauge the pupils’ knowledge of them. (A wetland such as this has astonishingly rich biodiversity). 500 pupils participated (the number of questionnaires all we could afford to print) Small prizes were awarded, JM and Ronnie Chirimuta, Marlborough Vlei Scout, vetted the answers and students on attachment from the City of Harare, helped as well.

he building of sustainable urban places has been catered for by T the Sustainable Cities Programme

The economic opportunities that lie within hyacinth at Lake Chivero

Young Innovator gets a life line from GiHub and Declares war on waste

By Lisa Chiedza Govera

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t one time I visited the Lake Chivero to reflect on nature like I always do, and to my surprise I noticed a weed like plant that had spread like a massive spectacular blanket ,close to the edges of the lake. Researching about this particular beautiful hydrophyte plant, I understood how much of a problem it could become if not controlled, and also how much of an economic opportunity it could be if….. harvested and put to use to

under the auspices of the UN Habitat after the Earth Summit in 1992. It came into recognition because of urbanisation and that current cities are leaving behind a huge ecological footprint hence the need for new planning agenda. But we are still way off the sustainable cities mark. The goal for sustainable cities is to “make cities and human settlements inclusive,

safe, resilient and sustainable”. It reflects growing recognition that human development depends on how well urbanisation is managed.

This new agenda is to address the issues that could not be addressed by the traditional master planning approach, which mainly concentrated on infrastructure and their physical appearance of cities leaving behind, the crucial elements of reducing the ecological footprint of urban activities.

Tinashe Manyonga - Unique Innovations

local communities surrounding Lake Chivero. Hyacinth also scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes, which thrives on most lakes in Africa, One in particular being Lake Chivero.

Hyacinth is believed to have come as an alien pot plant in Zimbabwe, as its native origin is Brazil. Despite its beauty poised it is becoming a menace to human economic and social development, because of its broad leaf structure it chokes the lake of fresh air and direct sunlight thereby causing a danger on the lake’s ecosystem.

Zimbabwean Youth engaging on Climate and Sustainable Energy through U-Report

By Amy Wickham - UNICEF Zimbabwe

Over the past three years, the UNICEF Zimbabwe Country Office has been involved in various Climate change and Sustainable Energy programmes. Some of which include: operational researches on Climate Change and Children in Zimbabwe and Sustainable Energy for Children in Zimbabwe; The Voices of Youth Climate Mapping Activity; The Clean Energy Eco Schools Programme; Improved Cook stove programming and the Green Innovations Hub as well as the engagement and support with National Policy Dialogue. What has been clear throughout all of these activities has been that the youth have significant understanding of the challenges being faced regarding climate change and lacking energy access, and they have exceptional ideas regarding how best to tackle these challenges. UNICEF, as the only UN agency whose legal mandate is to globally advocate for children, is world-renowned as a leading technical agency championing children’s rights.

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imbabwe faces a huge challenge in terms of waste management. The economic challenges being faced have made it difficult for those mandated to spearhead the waste management to effectively perform. Financial constraints at all major councils have led to the accumulation of litter in all towns and cities. Great things happen when ideas meet passion. Tinashe Manyonga is a 29 year old social entrepreneur who studied for a Degree in Crop Science with the University of Zimbabwe before taking a keen interest in waste management and recycling. Having drawn inspiration from his aunt who had learnt of the Hot Box concept, Tinashe saw tremendous opportunity in this and at once fell in love with the concept. This led him to start a company that designs and manufactures non electric thermal bags made using household waste.

The TE M P BAG initiative is all about turning waste into useful products. The first TEMP BAG design was registered

in 2013 and the bag was taken to Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) the standards regulatory body in Zimbabwe. The company now is able to successfully recycle six different types of waste which include expandable polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, corrugated cardboard, plastics, mealie meal sacks, 500ml PET bottles, 2 litre PET bottles.

We work with schools to collect the waste and youths to collect waste on behalf of us and we in turn give school team cooler bags and related eco friendly furniture for the schools sports teams.

Our plan is to work with the community which has benefited by providing us with waste and getting our products at discounted rates.

We hope that this will encourage each and every household to divert targeted household waste products from their dustbins.

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ISSUE 06

Moving Towards a Green Economy

By Oswald Simbarashe Chishanga, Save Our Environment Trust

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ov i n g tow a rd s a g re e n economy holds considerable potential for advancing human development in the face of potential threats brought about by climate change. A green economy is key in tackling climate change because it facilitates access to clean and safe energy for millions of people. It can also boost social and economic development while contributing to addressing environmental challenges.

Moving towards a green economy

requires several initiatives that must be undertaken and these include, promoting and adopting the use of renewable energy, promoting organic agriculture and forestry conservation among others. On renewable energy for example, the use of renewable energy technologies provides the opportunity to curb carbon emissions without compromising access to energy and this has the important implication of slowing down climate change.

The Need of Green Economies for Zimbabwe

By Raymond Muwaniri, POVOAfrika Trust

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ustainZim is now in its 2nd year with this edition being the 6th. We have had such a positive response in terms of content sent in and demand for more copies of the paper, which is proof the paper is reaching out to more people and achieving its goal of; educating Zimbabweans on sustainable development issues and creating a platform for collaborations. Due to the high unemployment rates in the country there needs to be focus on creating jobs in the green economy as opposed to industrialisation which is responsible for the high carbon emissions into our atmosphere.

Sweden collaborates with Zimbabwe to promote green economy

By Wallace Mawire

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weden collaborates with Zimbabwe to promote green economy

By Wallace Mawire Sweden through the Swedish Embassy in Harare is collaborating with a number of partners to create a green economy and transition Zimbabwe to a society built on sustainable environmental solutions. A green economy is defined as an economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment. According to a publication titled:Innovation-the Swedish way by Eva Krutmeijer, some of the world’s most successful innovators are from Sweden.

Emerge Competition ‘Rising Youth’

BY RUVIMBO MOYO

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n 2016, the second *Emerge Competition was launched .

Students were called to participate in the theme, ‘Rising Youth’, to confront pertinent issues faced by the youth in Zimbabwe today. The brief identified the high unemployment and underemployment rates amongst the youth.

WINNING PROJECTS 1st Verney Moyo ‘The Nest’

University of Witswatersrand

2nd Tichaona Owen Gondo – ‘Grand Reef’

National University of Science and Technology

3rd Proud Dube – ‘Endaweni’

Limkokwing University of Botswana

Highly Commended Mthokozisi Orlence Sibanda ‘Plumtree Repurpose’. Bulawayo Polytechnic Congratulations to our winners!

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ISSUE 06

The last phase of Part 1 of the Gihub project

brand new compressor, piping and improvised drums to enable the distillation process of the final product. Valerie is also working towards ensuring she has a viable commercial product that she can sell to end users, however, the process still needs some perfection to that end.

By Archibald Mathibela - POVOAFRIKA TRUST

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he This is our second and final instalment of the GiHub project’s documentation work to track the progress of 9 young innovators in their project activities since the project started. This exercise not only serves as a monitoring and evaluation tool, but provides a benchmark of the progress made by the innovators and the partners involved in the project. It is hoped that the report will be the basis of lessons

that will lead to the improvement of this initiative inorder to scale up on development opportunities that empower the young innovators to create positive impact in their lives and their communities. This process profiles the final stages of all the progress made by participants so far and features the commissioning of some of the projects which are at a semi advanced stage of implementation.

Sustainability key in aquaculture development in Zimbabwe

By Julius Sadi, Aquaculture Zimbabwe

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he world population is estimated to be at 7.5 billion and it is increasing rapidly such that it is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030. The growth in population will demand proportional growth in food production levels in order to avert widespread hunger. Of the food production sectors the world over, fish production has had faster growth rates than any other food industry. Over the last two decades, fish production growth rates were between 8 – 11% per annum compared to poultry at 5% and vegetables at 3.4%. Globally, fish provides about 6.7 percent of all protein consumed by humans, as well as other minerals such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, calcium, zinc and iron. The global per capita fish consumption is above 20 kilograms a year while it is at 5 kilograms in the region and 2.2 kilograms in Zimbabwe.

Why Governments in Developing Countries Do Not Learn the Basics of HydroMeteorological Disaster Risk Reduction?

By Mashoko Stephen Grey, Environment and Development Researcher

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he climate is changing and the impacts are unprecedented in different parts of the world and more devastating in Africa. Therefore, it is urgent and critical to anticipate, plan for and reduce disaster risk in order to more effectively protect persons, communities and countries, their livelihoods, socioeconomic assets

and ecosystems, and thus strengthen their resilience. In doing this, the governments should be guided by the Sendai Framework for Action (20152030), which took precedence from the Hyogo Framework for Action (20052015) and the Yokohama Strategy in 1994.

Climate Change - Africa’s New Development Threat? hy Africa should remain below the 20C (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit)

Challenges

Valerie Dewah Nuisance Energy Masvingo

Valerie’s project tackles hyacinth plant invasion in the Mushagashe River which she plans to use in addressing the lack of access to clean sustainable energy among low income households in Masvingo. To kickstart the process, she has setup a biogas production plant, complete with a compression and packaging system. The innovator has managed to buy a makeshift mini biogas extraction system that includes a

The members of the community responsible for collection of the hyacinth plant do not have adequate protective clothing safely do their job. Their equipment is inadequate and dangerous to use since they throw in an improvised device into the river whilst standing on the riverbank without any boats to protect them from potential hippo and crocodile attacks. Also the locally sourced cow dung has to be used fresh, which can often be time consuming for Valerie and her team as they have to remain vigilant in collecting fresh cow droppings to keep the biogas supply chain process optimal. More critical, biogas extraction equipment is still to be acquired.

Using The Climate Smart Village Approach To Build Climate Resilience In Chiredzi

By Joy Mlambo - UNV – UNDP/EMA

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o date, three climate-smart villages have successfully been set up in Chiredzi district, helping farmers adapt and build resilience to climate change in a holistic way. This has been achieved by implementing interventions that enable communities to increase their agricultural productivity and income, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Dr Unganai the Project Manager explains on this more, “The approach is such that communities in a village are equipped to improve their resilience to climate change by introducing a variety of measures which are weather, water, carbon, nitrogen, energy and knowledge smart. Incremental concentration of these interventions in one place ultimately increases sustainability and increases impact to beneficiaries as a village becomes well rounded in fighting the vagaries of climate change ultimately leading it to becoming climate proof.”

Wind/Solar Hybrid potential in Zimbabwe

By Maloon Dahwa, Kayla Technologies Pvt Ltd

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he world is facing a major threat of fast depletion of the fossil fuel reserves and highly polluting our environment. Most of the present energy demand is met by fossil and nuclear power plants. A small part is met by renewable energy technologies such as the wind, hydro, solar, biomass, geothermal etc.

As per the law of conservation of energy, “Energy can neither be created, nor be destroyed, but it can only be converted from one form to another”.

Most of the research now is about how to conserve the energy and how to utilize the energy in a better way. Research has also been into the development of reliable and robust systems to harness energy from nonconventional energy resources.

Among them, the wind and solar power sources have experienced a remarkably rapid growth in the past 10 years. Both are pollution free sources of abundant power.

Darlington Tshuma

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n 2013, global leaders gathered at the UN Climate Conference in Bonn (Germany) to discuss the options for reaching the overarching objective of international climate policing, specifically that of limiting global temperature increase to 2oC (3.6 degree Fahrenheit). It was unanimously agreed that any temperature increase beyond this limit could be‘dangerous’. Key research findings from climate researchers and evidence from scientific policy advice indicate that emissions will have to come down by 15 % by 2020 to stay below the threshold limit. There are of course challenges associated with achieving this ambitious target, but this is not the focus here.

Pollution Effects On Green Economy Nevson Mpofu, Community Development Lecturer

Nations in their frantic bid to reduce pollution are severely pulled down human fertility factors related to high birth rate causing high population. At a Global glance looking at how we are supposed to do it, it is target of every country to eliminate rather than reduce. This consummate well with Thomas Malthus theories of the 18 century that over population would be a big problem by this century we are in.

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What happened to our cow?

It has fallen into this mining pit!!! It’s those Gweja boys, they are illegally mining here and not covering up their pits when they are finished.

What are they mining dad?

Gold, Chrome, Platinum, anything for a quick buck with no care for the environment My teacher also told me that more mosquitos are breeding in these pits because of the stagnant water. A lot of children in school have been sick with malaria.

Your teacher is right, we need to complain to Sabhuku, Lets Go there now!!!

How is the community benefiting from the extraction of these rocks from the mountains dad?

We are not benefiting son, these mining companies are destroying our unique granite mountains, taking our valuable resource without contributing anything back to the community.

The only thing the mining So our Black Diamond is companies have done for the disappearing and we community is to slaughter a cow have gained nothing? on Independence and Hero’s day and buy a few scuds to get us drunk. Shame on them!!!

Will the rock on the mountain grow back dad?

No it will not Son, what’s worse is that this mountain has been a major part of our history and heritage. Traditional and cultural ceremonies were held here and we spoke to our ancestors through these mountains. Old chiefs and other important traditional leaders were buried here.

Maybe their remains have been taken to the museum in Harare?

No one knows what they did with the remains of our ancestors, the miners don’t care.

Our children are dying How can you throw away from malaria because our history and heritage, Vadzimu will not bless you of those pits Sabhuku, Traitor!!!

?!!!%$£

What have you done with our money?

The mining We are not companies are Only Sabhuku, the benefiting from paying you to keep the granite rocks? Councillor and the MP us quiet are benefitting!!!

Illegal mining is destroying the environment, it is causing deforestation and siltation is rivers.

Liquid mercury is being used to extract gold, therefore contaminating drinking water. People and livestock are accidentally falling into illegal mining pits causing severe injuries and sometimes death. Communities are not benefiting from the natural resources being extracted from their areas. There seems to be a lack of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Sabhuku – Village Head

Vadzimu – Ancestors

Our cattle are dying in those mining pits

Some heritage sites (Mutoko) have not been officially recognised, the rich history and heritage they hold is being lost. Our tradition and culture in Zimbabwe is slowly being eroded and nothing is being done about it. Community members need to sit down with their local leaders (Chiefs, Councillors and Village Heads) and engage their local politicians (MP’s, Ministers) to express their grievances and come up with viable solutions for everyone’s benefit including the environment.

Black Diamond – Granite Rock

Corporate Social Responsibility – approach that contributes to Sustainable Development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all stakeholders.

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ISSUE 07

Connecting the Dots: Wildlife, The Youth & Climate Change

Energy Investiments And Finance Vital For The Developing World Energy Story

By Nevson Mpofu

By Prisca Daka - Speak out for Animals

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imbabwe is home to a diverse array of wildlife that is so important to our culture. It is sad to note that it faces a bleak future if we do not address the current global warming crisis. Our climate is changing; both naturally and due to human activities and wildlife, animals specially are rapidly losing the competition for space due to the ever growing human need and greed. One

of the big questions that we have to answer is, how can we best protect wild animals in the face of climate change when human activities are increasingly running counter to the interests of wildlife? In an attempt to answer the question, involving the voice of the youth is very crucial and powerful. This is because the youth have the ability and agility to come up with innovative solutions unlike the older generation.

Call for Green Partnerships to reduce our Carbon Footprint

By Raymond Muwaniri - POVOAfrika Trust

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ub-Saharan Africa, South East and Pacific Asia which are Energy poverty impacted Regions need at least 49, 4 billion annually to finance their overall Energy projects and the current spending rotating in these Regions is 9 billion.

World Bank has over the past years since 2007 financed 31 billion worth Energy projects in developing countries especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. In order to monitor the reduction of absolute poverty in the World, there is need to focus strongly on Energy financing in order to develop various energy projects, reduce poverty and win on Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Experts in the Energy sector in Zimbabwe have taken a strong move to work towards sustaining energy projects through sourcing finance and calling for Investments to boost the sector.

ISSUE 08

SustainZim Wins Award

By Archie Mathibela - POVOAfrika Trust

n this edition, we have very interesting articles that go into detail on what the effects of climate change are on a local level and what can be done to counter them. In the first article Ms Prisca Daka from Speak Out For Animals (SOFA) talks about connecting the dots between wildlife, youths and climate change. She mentions that, youths in Zimbabwe are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change therefore they should be involved in the decisionmaking processes that affect their future. Through working with SOFA, Prisca emphasises how human interests and activities are increasingly counter to the interests of wildlife. There is increasing habitat loss due to human activities and habitat change due to climate change. This leaves the animals to survive in isolated pockets that may never bred with each other, changing their behaviour and threatening to kill the species.

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Creating opportunities from waste through green partnerships

Keeping the Message Alive

By Tinashe Manyonga - Unique Innovations

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ecycling start-up calls for green partnerships as a key strategy on the war on waste. Award winning, Unique Innovations (Private) Limited established in 2013 and led by an award winning innovator Tinashe Manyonga, has declared a war on waste. We have figured out strategies of successfully fighting this war and this brings us to a critical issue of a “Call for Green Partnerships”.

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hey is need to create what we have come to call Green Partnerships with key organizations in the system.

These refer to partnerships created to reduce the the carbon foot print of particular organizations and individuals through initiatives that include: buying and promoting use of recycled products, practicing proper waste disposal and energy conservation at individual and organizational level.

Adapted seeds: The missing link in the fight against drought

By Tonderayi Mukeredzi

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ver seventy-five women small holder farmers huddle excitedly inside a classroom at Mafeha Primary School during a recent seed fair in Bulilima district in the patched Matebeland South province while they await results of a small grain competition. To calm the nerves, the farmers break into song and dance. The day is such a happier affair for them. Besides walking away with prizes – for those that won, the farmers acquired new variety lines of small grains.

That’s the whole purpose of the seed fair – to give the farmers an opportunity to showcase, share seeds, and exchange knowledge and experiences on the old and new climate adapted crops. Seed fairs have become a common and key instrument used by change agents to stimulate the production of small grains as a broader strategy to upend hunger and offset the deleterious effects of climate change in drought stricken regions.

OVOA f r i k a Tr u s t , t h e evergreen team behind the quarterly SustainZim newspaper were last week named ‘ Best Upcoming Community newspaper’ at the 2017 Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) Youth Voice Journalist Honours awards. The ceremony came after a nationwide call for entries

from various youth advocacy organizations, shining a light on youth led initiatives as the panacea to modern challenges. In the two years of the tabloid’s existence, SustainZim has churned out 8 editions with a total print run of 60 0000 with support from developmental partners and internal resources.

By Innocent Katsande - OXFAM in Zimbabwe

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n this edition of SustainZim our feature article is by Martha Munyoro Katsi from Practical Action. She discusses ‘increasing food security through solar powered irrigation’. In a project in Gwanda, 6 community gardens were installed with solar powered irrigation systems. The project aimed to benefit 720 residents in the area and ensure food security. Producing crop can now be throughout the year, increasing income and improving livelihoods. Martha has previously contributed to SustainZim and her articles are very popular with the readers. Green Innovation HUB 2 was launched on the 8th of December by the Swedish Embassy and UNICEF Zimbabwe. GI HUB is an incubation space which seeks to unlock potential of young people in contributing to Sustainable Development through initiatives around smart and sustainable energy. GI HUB has 3 components; Green Schools, Green Jobs and Green Innovations.

Unicef Green Innovations Hub Phase II Launch Talent Chinyamutangira - The BOOST Fellowship, Enactus Zimbabwe

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r e e n In n o v a t i o n s H U B (GiHUB) Phase II is an incubation space which seeks to unlock the potential of young people in contributing to sustainable development through novel ideas around smart and sustainable energy. It’s a unique opportunity to address the dual challenge of climate change and youth unemployment in the country.

GiHUB Phase II is UNICEF’s

Concept program funded by SIDA and has 3 components- Green Schools, Green Jobs and Green Innovations which are implemented by partners Action 24, The Boost Fellowship and SNV Zimbabwe respectively. The internship project creates internship opportunities and possibly long term employment for university students with a strong interest in environmental sustainability issues.

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ISSUE 08

Enhancing food security through solarpowered irrigation in Matabeleland he climate in Gwanda is referred to as a local steppe type of weather. During the year there is little rainfall averaging 477mm, with an average annual temperature of 19.9 °C. Such climatic conditions have affected the food security for most smallholder farmers in this area as they rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. Due to lack of water, most farmers were using watering buckets to irrigate their gardens. Typically

Fertilizers, Pesticides, Residential Areas And Water Wells

By Tanaka Tsikira - Sustainability Consultant

Martha Munyoro Katsi - Practical Action

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ISSUE 09

done by the women in the community, this tiring task involved carrying of the buckets on head tops from down the river to the uplands where the crop gardens are located. Quite labour intensive and energy demanding.

Furthermore, manual watering is no only a labor-intensive practice but wastefull as the water tends to be poured on the crop beds in an unprecise manner.

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arming has long since been in the nature of the Zimbabwean people. It is the backbone upon which our society has built and maintained great civilizations from the Munhumutapa era, to the current one we live in. In that time span, the way we farm has radically changed. Whether is changed for the better or not depends on the lens through which you look at it. Definitely greater yields are attainable now than ever before in history. However, serious consideration must be taken with regards to the potentially harmful side effects of the chemicals and technologies that have enabled us to attain such abundance. The natural ability and desire for farming amongst Zimbabweans manifests itself in this era in the form of residential farming.

Stepping up efforts for Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe

By Raymond Muwaniri, POVOAfrika Trust

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ith time passing and more effects of climate change being felt in Zimbabwe this is a call to step up our efforts. SustainZim is an outlet to educate Zimbabweans on the harm we are bringing to our own environment and eventual wellbeing.

With time passing and more effects of climate change being felt in Zimbabwe this is a call to step up our efforts. SustainZim is an outlet to

Livestock Production in the Face of Climate Change

By Joy Mlambo - UNV – UNDP/EMA

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parsely distributed Mopani vegetation characterised by patches of grass can be noted when entering ward 30 of Buhera District. In some places, vast areas of bare soil with little or no sign of grass can be seen. Of particular note is the heat and dryness of the area. It is seen that the maize crop that people had planted has wilted and hope of attaining a harvest is dim. Emily Matingo, a climate change scientist in the Climate Change Management Department under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate had this to say, “Due to climate change, some areas such as ward 30 in Buhera District are no longer conducive for cereal production such as the maize crop. In such areas, droughts have become frequent and mid-season dry spells have become prominent.”

Summary of the2017 United Nations Climate Change Negotiations (COP23)

By Washington Zhakata - Ministry of Water Resources Development and Climate

he climate change talks ended in the morning of the 18th of T November 2017 with a clear roadmap for finalization of the rulebook that will guide implementation of the Paris climate agreement. But these technical discussions took place against the backdrop of a larger battle about the failure of developed countries to meet their pre-2020 obligations of reducing emission by 5.2% of their 1990 emissions as well as to mobilise $100 billion

annually for climate change activities in developing countries. Coal, oil and gas were amongst the issues discussed and however, being complicated by the US presidency which has divergent views as compared to the rest of the world which has agreed to cut on coal use.

One of the most important elements was the development of a process that would help countries to review and ratchet up their commitments to cut carbon within the framework of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

educate Zimbabweans on the harm we are bringing to our own environment and eventual wellbeing. In this first quarter edition we have very interesting articles which are worth a read and may change your opinion on certain topics.

With that said, contained is a very interesting article on ‘hunting as a form of conservation’ by Johnny Whitfield.

Care for yourself, Care for Mother Nature

By Innocent Katsande - OXFAM in Zimbabwe

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ife as we know it will never be the same! The statement itself seems to be a paradox when we think of the fact that no one wants life to be the same but there is a desire to make and see things change for the better on a daily basis.

A saddening fact in all our endeavour to improve the standard of living some things change for the worse. People, world over, have neglected the impact of their actions on their basic and foundational resource; nature! Human activity, especially industrialisation has accelerated the rate of climate change to levels that threaten the livelihood of millions of people. For much of the 20th century industrialisation was pursued without paying attention to the effects on climate change or the effects of climate change in general. Climate change has risen to such levels that it can no longer be ignored. Just as the contributions to the problem are not evenly distributed, some countries have suffered more than others, form the effects of climate change.

Zimbo Green January clean up

By Michael Zvakanaka

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went into Harare on 6 January to assist Maritime with the ZimboGreen clean up in CBD. Wires were crossed, and it turns out I was supposed to be on First Street, but I understood Copacabana bus terminus, and that is where I started and did my bit! I was really there to observe, and ask questions, so this is what I saw and discovered. The first thing I looked for was CoH cleaners, as they should know where the clean up was. I started taking pictures. And

I found them everywhere, cleaning!

And cleaning well. Everything in a block swept into piles, and then the piles were put into bins on carts. All this amidst serious traffic pulling off the road wherever. Clean down to the tar. The workers were working. Perhaps CoH has too many in offices, and not enough on the streets? Perhaps there are too many wearing ties and sitting down and not enough standing up and getting their hands dirty? There is dignity in work and we salute the workers.

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I heard you have new developments on the farm?

Yes, I have started ‘fish farming’ and ‘water harvesting’.

This is a ‘contour pond’ 200m2 and already has fingerlings inside.

You can also find seepage ponds.

How do you feed the fish and how long till you harvest them?

I put manure in the bottom of the pond to encourage algae to grow which the fish can eat, I also supplement with fish pellets.

I can harvest after 4 months when the fish mature.

Yes, it’s not expensive at all.

The fish bring much needed protein to my family’s diet and I can sell some for an income.

Let me show you my other project.

Can I afford this and what are the benefits?

Why are you collecting rain water?

Well, we had a lot of rain this year so why let it go to waste and runoff.

I can store this water and use it in the dry season for my fish pond and irrigation, among other uses.

Who taught you all this?

I googled ‘green projects’ and the other information I got from the new Agricultural Extension officer.

He is holding a training tomorrow, you can join me?

Training worksh held by the Agr op in the community hall icultural Exten sion officer Are there any other green projects we can get into?

Oh yes,

there are plenty of green projects that benefit the environment and can bring a source of income.

Give us examples!

Fish ponds, zero grazing, conservation farming, water harvesting, afforestation, eco-tourism, producing wood pellets and briquettes from sawdust.

But we need rural electrification!

There are other ways to get electricity; solar, wind, hydro and biogas. All these are renewable and do not harm the environment.

We need more information and trainings!

It’s my job to help you, so use me wisely. There are also organisations you can contact that are dedicated to saving our environment while improving livelihoods.

Fish farming helps preserve the wild stocks which are under pressure from overfishing and polluted waters.

For more information on how to start fish farming please contact Aquaculture.

Water harvesting collects rain water and prevents runoff, this water can therefore be used in the dry season for different purposes.

In deforested areas, runoff is causing soil erosion and deep gullies which are ruining the landscape and becoming hazardous.

*Fingerlings – baby fish / Contour pond – dug on dry land / Seepage pond - built where water naturally occurs

Illustrator: Tafadzwa Tarumbwa Written by: Raymond Muwaniri

These are water harvesting tanks I have filled with rain water.

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S OLI SASRUEEN0E9RGY

Killing for Conservation

By Johnny Whitfield

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o animal better portrays the plight of African wildlife than the rhino. There are a lot of charitable organisations and media campaigns around the world that focus on the dwindling numbers of these rare animals that we have left.

And yet ever year thousands of these animals are killed mercilessly for their horns - and as everyone knows that has meant the demise recently of the

North white rhino as a species. At the same time though, no animal better highlights the difference and benefits of that HUNTING can do for a species as compared to POACHING. Unfortunately to the wider world hunting and poaching are viewed as one and the same thing but the truth on the ground is that they are complete polar opposites in terms of what they give and what they take away.

Mountain Guides Boost Zimbabwe Tourism

By Jane High

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ome people cannot resist Mountains. All over the world people pit their fitness and climbing skills “against” the great crags and slopes of our most famous Mountains. Many die doing it. Some get lost or survive by sheer luck. But the lure of these giants just gets stronger. Africa has her share of these massive natural wonders and unknown to many, the highest in Zimbabwe and the highest in Mozambique have both claimed their share of lives. In the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe stand Mount Nyangani and Mount Binga and in between them runs a startling mountain range containing immense and valuable secrets. Secrets that are only recently being revealed and documented for a new generation of Zimbabweans. The process of finding, documenting and then teaching these secrets was activated in January 2018 - the result is the Zimbabwe Mountain Guide Training Scheme.

Youth And The Environment: “The Forgotten Relationship”

By Edson Dambaza

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he youth have special concerns and special responsibilities in relation to the environment. A number of environmental risks and hazards disproportionately affect young people, who have to live for an extended period with the deteriorating environment bequeathed to them by earlier generations.

That being the case, young people will be compelled to engage in new forms of action and activism that will generate effective responses to ecological challenges.

Young people constitute a large part of the world’s population. Many, especially young children, are particularly vulnerable to environmental risks associated with, for example, access to clean and safe drinking water.

Zimbabwe’s Open for Business Policy Vs Advancing a Sustainable National Economic Vision

By Archie Mathibela

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gleaming convoy of mint Freightliners whooshes past the narrow, well-worn dusty strips of road in one of the country’s busiest highways. Heavily laden, their payload is a century’s gift from sustained gutting of the nearby Mountain’s treasure trove. In the distance, a conical tower bellows and exhales grey smoke from the stone crusher into a cloudless sky with the

reckless abandon of a teenage chain smoker. The spectacle creates a thick carpet that envelopes the surrounds in a curtain of dust and gloom, sapping the life out of all the fauna and flora on this busy gateway for kilometres on end. The scene is ground zero for the biggest and most profitable cement by product extraction facility in Sub Saharan Africa.

Facing Extinctio: Sudan, A Stark Reminder, Bringing Rhino Conservation Issues To The Forefront

By Prisca Daka

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n the 19th of March, the world mourned the death of one of the last three remaining northern white rhinos and only surviving male, Sudan. With the species already extinct in the wild, his death indeed brought to the forefront rhino conservation issues. We should ask ourselves, how did we get to the point where we can count the world population of such an iconic species and not use more than three fingers? The real tragedy about the death of Sudan is in what it represents – Extinction, an unrecoverable loss! His death is a glaring reminder of why we should do all we can to protect not just Rhino’s but all endangered wildlife. We need to remind ourselves that once an animal species becomes extinct, it is gone forever.

For those who are interested in flora, Chimanimani has 40 endemic species of plants and small creatures such as dragonflies and frogs. Those people who have done a lot of traveling who now not so keen on sitting in the back of a vehicle looking at Big 5, are much more interested in the smaller things that are unique, they are the of people we find coming. When you walk you can notice the extraordinary details such as lichens and orchids on Msasa trees, or delicate ferns in the shelter of a rock covered in moss. These areas of the Eastern Highlands are currently of great interest to scientists because there are many undiscovered species. Just last year we had moth scientists from Belgium, UK and France. Prior to that we had the Fern scientists and the Mushroom scientists. We regularly receive the frog scientists. Frogs, lichens, dragon flies are indicators of a healthy environment (clean air and water).

Redefining Development in the Age of Climate Change

By Oswald Simbarashe Chishanga, Save Our Environment Trust

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limate change has slowly grown to be a complex challenge in the early years of the 21st century. Its effects on development is profound and well documented and if no effective policies and strategies are put in place climate change threatens to reverse or halt any human development achieved thus far. The profound effects that climate change has brought to development are brought out by a World Bank 2015 report which states that a quarter of the population of developing countries still lives on less than $1.25 a day. One billion people lack clean drinking water; 1.6 billion, electricity; and 3 billion, adequate sanitation. A quarter of all developing-country children are malnourished. In addition development is likely to be halted because developing countries would bear some 75 to 80 percent of the costs of damages caused by the changing climate, (World Bank 2015).

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ISSUE 10

Mushroom farming for food security in Zimbabwe

By Joy Mlambo, UNV – UNDP

By Nyasha Mupaso, Mushtella

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ushroom farming for food security in Zimbabwe.There are many types of mushrooms grow across the globe. My focus in this article is oyster Mushroom due to its quick turn around, easier to grow and can be grown anywhere in Zimbabwe.

The country is facing the challenge of food security as drought is now an annual phenomena. Though other parts may receive normal rainfall

Update - Towards the National Adaptation Plan

many parts experience perennial droughts. More and more people are turning to mushrooms, the best part is that people in farms and rural areas are now moving into mushrooms, our dream is to see mushrooms being grown across the country. Mushrooms can still be grown after a drought.

This is so because after drought there is plenty of agricultural waste that remain.

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n 2016, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate embarked on the development of a stocktaking report for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) under the project Integrated Planning Systems. The NAP is meant to operationalize the National Climate Change Response Strategy of 2015 and the Climate Policy which was launched in 2018 through developing adaptation strategies that are suitable to the various areas and sectors given the context specific nature of climate change effects. In addition to being a climate change adaptation action plan, the NAP will also facilitate the integration of climate change into development frameworks (plans, policies, budgets and activities) whose significance was underscored at a recent event by Emily Matingo.

The key to Zimbabwe’s socio economic development is a sustainable communications strategy

By Archie Mathibela

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turnkey communication strategy needs to be in place to not only build goodwill and understanding between citizens and the presidium, but to also ensure that socio economic reforms are both successful and farreaching. Granted, it’s an assortment of constantly moving parts. However, an effective strategy can help achieve the national vision, exploit emerging

The Climate ‘is’ Changing

By Raymond Muwaniri, POVOAfrika Trust

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s we draw closer to this year’s elections, it is important that we put in place a government that prioritises the environment and climate change. The effects of climate change are now being felt all over the country, some regions more than others but effects are widespread. For those who are poor and vulnerable it is a case of a double headed problem, ‘break and butter’ issues and climate change becoming a daily problem. In this issue we have articles that discuss how climate change is affecting the daily lives of

The Exceptional Resurrecting Bush

By Tracy Mapfumo Bio-Innovation Zimbabwe

regular people in both rural and in urban areas. We have 3 articles by Joy Mlambo from the UNDP, Joy has been a regular contributor to the paper since the first issue in 2016. In her 1st article Joy discusses how climate change is affecting people with disabilities, especially those with mobility issues and albinism. In Zimbabwe we are still very far in terms of catering for people with disabilities as compared to the western countries.

Climate Change And Persons Living With Disabilities

By Joy Mlambo, UNV – UNDP

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opportunities as they arise and pave the way for sustainable socio economic development. The Government will need a clear plan and the political will to implement it. An effective communication strategy serves as a guide and gives Zimbabwe some legroom to set its own agenda rather than importing one made to order from Western think tanks.

eavy rains, tropical cyclones and droughts do not discriminate when they hit. But when disaster strikes, poor and vulnerable groups are often left behind and tend to be more affected in comparison to other population groups.

Furthermore, the path to recovering from the impact of climate change hazards and disasters is not one of equal opportunity. Due to existing resource access disparities, some population groups face increased exposure to the negative effects of climate change. For persons living with disabilities, their situation is even more desperate. One of the central pledges of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Agenda is to “leave no one behind”. It is thus important that vulnerable and marginalised groups are included from the start in preparing for climate change adaptation and that the inequalities and the risks that they face are understood in order to plan and invest in an inclusive manner.

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edline lives in Ward 16 Chivi district, rural Zimbabwe.

Her area has been receiving less and less rain over the past decade.

Farmers like here have resorted to planting small grains, although some still stick to growing maize which has been dwindling in productivity over the years. For this reason, field crops fetch no income for Medline’s family of two adults and 7 dependents. This year, Medline joined the Natural Resources Production Cooperative

that sells resurrection bush twigs to Bio Innovation Zimbabwe, to raise money to look after her family since her husband is not employed. The plant is available in abundance on the hills around her home. Of all the plant species that exist, this one possesses fascinating traits! A number of resurrecting plants exist in Southern Africa but Myrothammus flabellifolia is exceptional in that it is the only woody resurrection plant.

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ISSUE 10

Climate change in urban areas Joy Mlambo, UNV – UNDP

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xtreme rainfall flooded Harare, drought dried up water reservoirs in Bulawayo and Gweru experienced severe hail. Zimbabwean cities and towns are increasingly struggling with climate change effects. So far, climate change adaptation interventions have mostly been carried out in rural Zimbabwe. There are growing calls for intervention in the urban areas which are also affected in one way or another. Emily Matingo, a climate change scientist in the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, argues that there is need to understand better how climate change affects the urban areas and maintains that, ‘’Climate Change impacts are increasingly being felt in urban areas. If we as a nation are able to attain the goal of climate resilience, there is a need for interventions to address climate change effects both in rural and urban set ups.”

Indigenous Fruits of Zimbabwe few years ago I was in Watsomba and came across so many indigenous wild fruits and it took me back to the days when we were growing up and all these fruits were in abundance in the wild and you didn’t have to buy them. The effects of climate change and expansion of urban areas have been evident at a macro level and has led to the dwindling of most of these fruit trees. I took photos of as many of

By NEVSON MPOFU

he global population today faces immense socio- economic and political challenges. Most countries especially in Africa are T seriously affected by extreme poverty where an increased number lack

access to basic services. The majority is extremely affected by poverty because of climate change from global warming that has led to severe metrological and hydrological droughts caused by the atmosphere warming above 1.5 degrees Celsius. These catastrophes have drastically impacted more on communities in Africa with some countries failing to cope with mitigation and adaptation due to lack of climate finance, social cohesion of political will and isolation from the International community. It is therefore a priority to for the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to foster policy development..

Mountain Guides Boost Zimbabwe Tourism

By Jane High

By Baynham Goredema - XEALOS Design

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Fight Climate Change: Stay Below 1, 5 Degrees Of Warming

the fruits as possible and also added a few more which I got over the past two years. I have tried to get the fruits straight from the tree so they are as fresh as possible. The use of indigenous has been used loosely to refer to fruits that are found in the wild in Zimbabwe’s countryside. I would like to thank Evelyn Roe for providing the English and Latin names for the fruits.

We enjoy one of the most pleasant (temperature wise) climates in the world right now, however like everyone else, we are feeling the symptoms of climate change.

Erratic weather patterns, shorter periods of rain or unseasonal heavy rain with regular drought periods.

This poses a particular problem in mountainous areas. Frequent droughts and periods of heavy rain on slopes

displaces top soil and you can get landslides like we did in Cyclone Elene in 2000. We have another problem particularly in Chimanimani with mining activity happening in the water courses. This panning on mountain streams removes the vegetation and so when you get a big flood there is no longer a sponge to slow the water down.

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ISSUE 11

Contextualisation Of Sustainable Fish Farming In Zimbabwe Since 2014

By Innocent Katsande - OXFAM in Zimbabwe

By Ian Kazingizi, Agrimarine Solutions

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ish farming which comes in different ways namely fresh water fish ponds, cages and dams have been done since time in other countries such China, Australia and America. FAO once came in with a hand in (1981) helping Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, but Zimbabwe did not crop out well. In 2014 companies such

as Agrimarine solutions with a partnership of institutions such as Development Reality institute came in training people. This led to Zimbabweans buying in the idea , schools, hospitals, security services are now one amongst the major players in the industry. This became easy since it is one of the major agendas of the government of food security.

Food Security, Conservation and Energy

By Raymond Muwaniri, POVOAfrika Trust

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his is the editorial for SustainZim Issue 11, with focus on food security, conservation and energy for those living in both rural and urban areas. Food security and nutrition is one of the major agendas of the government through ZimAsset. We have an article from Ian Kazingizi who discusses fish farming in Zimbabwe and its progression over the years. He attributes the increase in fish farming to companies like Agrimarines Solutions and the Development Reality Institute who train people. If our readers would like to know more about fish farming please refer to their websites, including Aquaculture who have been helping communities set up these projects. Fish farming improves people’s livelihoods by meeting their dietary needs and providing a viable income. It also helps to preserve the wild stocks of fish which are under a lot of pressure from overfishing and water pollution.

The Local Food Economy

By Tanaka Tsikira, Independent Sustainability Consultant

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he vast and complex nature of these systems inevitably result in trade offs, compromises and inefficiencies with regards to both access and quality of food that consumers ultimately get. Challenges in the system are most evident in the vast distances food has to travel from source to consumers. This dependence on petrochemicals in both the production and more importantly the transportation of food leaves the system vulnerable to a

resource that is highly volatile in pricing and accessibility. Evidence of this can be seen by the recent fuel shortages here in Zimbabwe which have resulted in food price hikes. A strong local food economy provides a panacea to some of these issues. The emergence of a local food economy in the majority of Zimbabwe’s urban settlements has mainly been fueled by the harsh economic environment over the last 20 years.

Looming Climate Change Crisis,12 Years to Act: IPCC 2018 Report Warns

By Prisca Daka

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European Union Solar Renewable Energy Project Scores A First

lobal climate change is affecting our planet but it is difficult for people to see the effects over just a few years because the process takes a long time. This is not a far-fetched phenomenon as the world has seen wild climate events that destroyed cities, livelihoods and most importantly life (animal life included). Africa’s already high rates of under nutrition and low water supply & quality can be expected to increase compared to a scenario without climate change. To be specific, particularly vulnerable to these climatic changes are the rain-fed agricultural systems on which the livelihoods of a large proportion of the region’s population currently depend. On Monday climate experts, known as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the much anticipated IPCC report.

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imbabwe in its consented effort to bring Renewable Energy home has been supported by European Union, SNV which is Netherlands Development Corporation and Davani Trust to develop spat of Solar Energy projects. In a multi-faceted move to disseminate the outstanding Solar Energy Project, Zimbabwe Women Resource Centre and Network and Practical Action conducted a Media Tour to news showcase the work so far done. The Mashava Sustainable Solar Energy for Communities Project is located in Gwanda Matabeleland South 800 kilometers away from the capital city of Harare, Matabeleland South Province. It consists of 400 panels with each 255 watts

The Good Food Festival: A Celebration of Zimbabwe’s Traditional and Organic Food and Seed

By Jennifer Mayer

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he traditional Zimbabwean diet was historically highly diverse and nutritious. However, over the past 5 or 6 generations, people in Zimbabwe have moved away from traditional foods to a heavy reliance on processed foods, particularly maize. This shift has taken a toll on the health and nutrition of Zimbabweans on both ends of the

malnutrition spectrum: 26.6% of children suffer from stunting linked to poor dietary diversity while 35% of adult women and 12% percent of men are overweight or obese. In 2014, lifestyle diseases killed 138,000 people – 31% of all deaths – in Zimbabwe (WHO). The Zimbabwe Traditional and Organic Food Forum seeks to change this.

Community Participation in Sustainable Biodiversity Management

By Violet Makoto, Forestry Commission

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he Government of Zimbabwe is implementing a five-year Global Environment Facility (GEF) - funded program to support conservation initiatives in North Western Zimbabwe. The project known as the HwangeSanyati Biological Corridor Program has the overall objective to develop land use and resource management capacity of managers and communities in the Hwange-Sanyati Biological Corridor (HSBC) of Zimbabwe and is executed through the World Bank. The Project focuses on three key environmental components; Forestry, Wildlife and Landscape Management with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), Forestry Commission, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Communal Areas Management Program for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) as the implementing agencies.

Citizens’ Statement On The Current Energy Situation In Zimbabwe

By Wellington Madumira, ZERO

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n the 17 and 28th of August 2018, ZERO Regional Environment Organization, the civil society coordinator of Green and Inclusive Energy (GIE), in collaboration with Hivos the finance and technical supporter held a citizen engagement meeting. The objective of the meeting were: 1. To raise awareness of role renewable energy and energy efficiency amongst urban communities

2. To stimulate renewable energy and energy efficiency debate that will trigger the development of pro poor energy efficiency policy 3. To enhance networking amongst urban residents in Zimbabwe on energy issues. WE celebrate that Zimbabwe has a number of laws that affect renewable energy development, some lying within the jurisdiction of the parent Ministry.

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ISSUE 11

Saving the Samanga Baboons and Climate Change

Defining Sustainability

By Karen Maturure

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By Raymond Muwaniri, POVOAfrika Trust

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amanga is an area located in Honde Valley, Manicaland, 120 km from Mutare under Chief Mutasa. Honde Valley is a unique area in region 1 of Zimbabwe, the soil is very fertile with plenty of rainfall, probably the highest in the country.

Due to this climate, the valley has biodiversity that is unique to the area. As far back as the 90’s, Honde Valley had lush vegetation, plenty of

water and wild spaces. Fast forward 20 years and things couldn’t be more different, the lush vegetation has been replaced by banana plantations, water is limited depending on the time of the year and there are no more wild spaces.

Every patch of land is now inhabited or owned by somebody thanks to the village heads who keep allocating land, illegally.

he first time I heard the word sustainability was during a lecture in college, or perhaps let’s say that was my first memory of it. Like many other students, I then attached the word to high level topics such as international and national environmental policies etc. Before recent enlightenment Sustainability was indeed a complicated term that I associated with occurrences beyond my ordinary, daily life. If somehow you have had a similar experience this article is for you, it will be a worthwhile journey to unpack the meaning of this seemingly popular word in terms of usage especially in discussions around the environment. Sustainable development (SD) is a holistic and systemic phenomenon that. No this is not that kind of article. I will speak in a language that is not of professors and that is more colourful.

My aim is to bring sustainability closer to home and to also help you understand the concepts related to the term. Let’s start off with defining the word itself. In dictionaries, sustainability is typically described as a capability of a system to endure and maintain itself. Sustainability, however, has many more other definitions but that are not too far from this one. The next definition I encountered was: Sustainable development consists of balancing local and global efforts to meet basic human needs without destroying or degrading the natural environment. Another definition I encountered was that Sustainability is the process of maintaining change in a balanced fashion, in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development and institutional change are all in harmony and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations. What all these definitions have in common is that they all speak of the ability to thrive and with a balance within a system of dependency whilst there is a clear focus on the future.

Grow oyster mushrooms in 5 easy steps STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

www.mushtella .c o m

Dry cotton seed hulls, a by product of cooking oil extraction from cotton seed.

Wet and pasteurized cotton waste, ready for spawning “planting”

1 Day

1 Day

Mushroom spawn (“seed”) that is mixed with cotton seed hulls to make a block as shown in step 4.

Spawning/planting takes one day to complete, and one waits fourteen days to get to step 4 14 Days

STEP 5

STEP 4

Mushroom block fully covered with fungi and developing Mushroom pinheads (“germination”) in about 5 days mushrooms will be ready for harvesting.

5 Days 0773 842 677 @mushtella

Email:nmupaso@mushtella.com Mushtella Specialty Mushrooms

Mushroom block with mushrooms ready for harvesting.

5 Days

30

It takes about

DAYS 30 days to Harvest.

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ISSUE 11

Solar Irrigation restores food security to a starving community

Winners of Gihub Phase 1

By Innocent Katsande, Practical Action

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6-year-old Sharon Sibanda is a single mother of four children and a grandmother of three from Patana village Ward 24 in Gwanda District, Southern part of Zimbabwe. Raising a family of eight as a single mother has never been easy for her, she struggled to put food on the table and take care of her family’s daily needs. All she could and knew to do was faming however the planting seasons had

not been generous and the changing climate made it worse. “Before the solar water came in, we depended on rain fed agriculture and it was difficult, we would plough and plant expecting the rains but the rain would not come, our crops would get burnt” said Sharon. In an effort to supplement for the failed crops in the field, the irrigation scheme which Sharon is a part of had been heavily reliant on diesel engines for water pumping however this was not without its challenges. “We used to have six diesel engines but all are no longer working, they died. It was difficult and expen- sive for us with the income we get to maintain and pay for the repairs” she said. Without reliable access to water for irrigation both their dry land and irrigation plots suffered and were not able to produce a harvest. “Due to the changing climate, the rainfall became even more less reliable, we suffered from starvation, we survived on social welfare and food aid from donors” said Sharon.

The Green Innovations Hub (GiHUB)

By Edson Dambaz

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he African continent will be the most affected by climate change, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In a region where 70 percent of inhabitants still directly rely on the land for their livelihoods, the amount of usable land is decreasing as the number of people who need it is increasing. With the need for food increasing fast, some farmers are exhausting their soils, thereby preventing their replenishment.

So far, many efforts to grow more food in Zimbabwe have focused on the increased use of mineral fertilizers, improved seed and strengthening targeted agricultural value chains. This is reasonable. While ongoing programs supporting agricultural development in the country are laudable, they have not yet sufficiently addressed several fundamental causes of reduced resilience to climate change and increasing food insecurity. And farmers who aren’t sure of their rights to the land and its resources may be reluctant to invest in longer term actions needed to restore soil fertility.

The Green Snippets

Forest Regulations, Laws and Statutory Instruments in Zim Zimbabwe has a very high level of biodiversity, and the dominant forest ecosystems in the country can be loosely grouped into Flora Zambeziaca and Afromontane phyto-regions and exotic plantations found in the Eastern Highlands, Manicaland Province. The Flora Zambeziaca phyto-region has five woodland types named according to the dominant species, miombo -- musasa and munhondo trees, mopane, teak -- mukusi in the deep Kalahari sands in the central and western part of the country and terminalia/ combretum -- mususu and mugobo. About 53 percent of the country is covered by woodland forests and shrubs, and 43 percent of the forest land is designated as communal forest that provide a variety of valuable products that are key to the livelihoods of both rural and urban communities.

[Source: https://allafrica.com/stories/201810200095.html]

BIODIVERSITY

A Call to Action for Africa’s Biodiversity Crisis Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has called on his fellow African leaders to take action to tackle the current biodiversity crisis facing the continent and do more to protect Africa’s natural resources. This comes in light of the Living Planet Index’s release last week, which showed that species have declined by 60 percent on average. As a continent that relies so heavily on biodiversity for food, water, jobs and cultural heritage the President has urged African policy makers to take action when they meet at the African Biodiversity Summit later this month. Earlier this year I had the great privilege of travelling to Rwanda to take part in the unique Kwita Izina ceremony. This ceremony celebrates Rwanda’s treasured gorilla population by inviting friends to come and name the years’ new-born babies.

[Source: https://allafrica.com/stories/201811060098.html

ENERGY

1000MW renewable energy by 2025 visit our website now! www.stockproviders.com Instagram: @stockproviders

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Full documentary of Phase 1 DRI in Partnership with Unicef Zimbabwe. Includes interviews with reps from partnering organisations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stONGxU7D60

FORESTRY

Food security and Climate change

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Zimbabwe Is set to increase renewable energy investments in line with the global climate change mitigation measures with a target of generating 1000MW clean energy by 2025.

Given the reality of climate and its impact on economies

and livelihoods in particular, global leaders are agreed that adoption of clean energy technology is an effective way of minimising negative effects.

[Source: http://ebusinessweekly.co.zw/1000mw-renewable-energyby-2025/]

CONSERVATION

Hwange Sanyati Biological Corridor Project

The Hwange Sanyati Biodiversity Corridor (HSBC) project covers an area of 5.7 million ha in north western Zimbabwe and falls within the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Trans-frontier Conservation Area (TFCA). It is a $6.4 million project being funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) over 5 years.

World Bank is the implementing agency for the project, WWF is the activities implementing entity and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Management is the coordinating authority. Key project partners are: Parks and Wildlife Management Authority; CAMPFIRE Association; Environmental Management Agency; and the Forestry Commission.

[Source:http:/ /www.forestry.co.zw/2017/01/23/hwange-sanyatibiological-corridor-project/]

AGRICULTURE

Zimbabwe: Sugar Annual

Post forecasts that sugar cane production in Zimbabwe will increase by 9 percent to 3.5 million MT in the 2018/19 MY, based on a return to normal weather after the previous year’s drought and improved sugar cane yields from more available irrigation water. Post forecasts that sugar production in Zimbabwe will increase by 17 percent to 460,000 MT in the 2018/19 MY, based on an increase in the quantity of sugar cane delivered to the mills and better quality sugar cane for crushing, resulting in good factory recoveries. Post forecasts that Zimbabwe will fully utilize the United States Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation for the 2018/19 MY. [Source: http://news.trust.org/item/20160704103323-lj6dg/]

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P R OF I L E

biogas harnessed from municipal sewage plants was investigated.

Two sewage plants Crow borough and Marlborough were investigated as the potential raw material suppliers for the biogas generation.

Sewage sludge samples were co...

Value addition of brewers spent grains to bio coal using hydrothermal carbonization (Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

The production of alternative energy sources from waste residues is increasingly becoming popular. This paper focuses on the value addition of brewery spent grains waste by converting it to bio coal using hydrothermal carbonization. Brewery spent grains (BSG) from a local brewery company were use...

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Papers by Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng) Harare Institute Of Technology, Chemical And Process Systems Engineering, Faculty Member @MercyManyuchi

Read More Papers by Dr. Mercy Manyuchi are available online and you can get updates when she publishes new papers at https://hit-ac.academia. edu/MercyManyuchi

Value addition of coal fines and sawdust to briquettes using molasses as a binder (Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

In this study, the cobriquetting of coal fines saw dust and molasses as a binder is explored as an option for value addition of the wastes generated in the various industries. The effect of the saw dust concentration and the molasses concentration w a s i n v e s t i g a t e d t h ro u g h m e a s u r i n g t h e b r i q u e tt e . . .

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Integrative Municipal Sewage Sludge Management through Biogas Production: A Case Study of Municipal Plants in Harare, Zimbabwe (Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

In this study, the potential to generate electricity from sewage sludge biogas harnessed from municipal sewage plants was investigated. Two sewage plants Crow borough and Marlborough were investigated as the potential raw material suppliers for the biogas generation. Sewage sludge samples were co...

Biogas Production from Saw dust using Acti-zyme as Digestion Catalyst and its Upgrading to Bio methane using Chemical Absorption Zimbabwe has one of the 05 largest deposits of timber in Southern Africa (about 500 000 tons per annum) such that most entrepreneurs venture into timber processing. The venture results in generation of a lot of sawdust dumps that are of no economic use if they are left lying around. There is 10000 metric tons that go to waste each year which when bio-converted can result in biogas.

Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil: Technical and Economic Feasibility Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO) is an 06 alternative source of biofuels.

WCO is a cheaper raw material compared to other sources since it’s a waste product.

Visits to food outlets in Harare indicated an average 28.9% disposal of the total oils and fats consumed.

Alkaline trans-esterification process was used for the conversion of WCO to biodiesel.

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Nutrient Removal from Wastewater through Bio augmentation (Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

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In this study, the potential to generate electricity from sewage sludge

for damages

The fossil fuel industries 08 generates huge amounts of carbon dioxide to the environment during energy g e n e ra t i o n , i n c re a s i n g the greenhouse effects on the environment on a daily basis. This effectively results in negative climate change effects yet it’s the ordinary person who is paying for it-the fossil fuel industry must own up and pay the damages. “ndividuals, climate change activists and policy matters must come up during COP22 in Morocco, and ensure this is done

Treatment of Piggery Wastewater Using a 3-Stage Vermifiltration Process Utilizing Eisenia Fetida Earthworms (M. M. Manyuchi and N. L. Mupoperi)

This paper focuses on an alternative biological method for piggery w a s t e w a t e r t re a t m e n t using the modified single stage vermifiltration process. A 3-stage vermifiltration process was used for piggery wastewater treatment as an alternative and modified biological wastewater treatment technique. Three vermifilters with media which comprised of Eisenia Fetida earthworms, garden soil, sand and quartz stones were used as the filtration media.

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Brewery Wastewater Treatment Using The Biofilm Carriers’ Technology (M. M. Manyuchi and N. Chikwama)

The brewery industry is one of the major industries in Zimbabwe and the following s t u d y w a s co n d u c t e d to assess the technoeconomic feasibility of reuse of wastewater after treatment using the biofilm that forms on the biocarriers. The malting plant of a certain brewing plant uses up to 350000 cubic meters water a year discharging about 75% of the biologically contaminated w a t e r a s e ff l u e n t w h i c h i s discharged into the ecosystem.

Treatment of municipal sewage sludge is a problem in Zimbabwe. However, if the appropriate waste to energy technologies are applied, sewage plants can generate their own electricity thus minimizing municipalities’ reliance on the already strained national grid.

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Why we need to keep the fossil fuel and tobacco industries accountable and make them pay

basis in tea estates and these pose an environmental threat due to greenhouse gases emissions yet these presents an opportunity of generation of biomass briquettes.

Integrated Biomass Utilization for Energy Efficiency and Nutrient Recycling Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

I n t h i s s t u d y, a n assessment of the 13 a v a i l a b l e s o u rc e s of biomass and the associated technologies are given for possible energy efficiency i m p rove m e n t . B i o c h a r , a by product of biomass carbonization was assessed as a potential soil amendment as well as nutrient cycle agent.

Valorization of Corn Sillage through Vermicomposting Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

In this study, corn sillage was converted to vermicompost and vermiwash t h ro u g h e a r t h wo r m b i o conversion. Eisenia Fetida earthworms loaded at a rate of 2.5 kg/m 2 were used as the vermicomposting media over a period of 30 days in a vermireactor.

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Bio treatment of Brewery Wastewater Treatment using Hycura Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

Sewage Plants’ Potential to Produce Biogas for Electricity Generation-Case Study of the Three Zimbabwe Municipalities

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T h i s s t u d y fo c u s e d o n t h e investigation of bio treatment of brewery wastewater using 11 engineered micro organisms l i ke H y c u ra . B re w e r y wastewater was treated in a 10L tank over a 5 day period with Hycura loadings of 0.05 g/L. The wastewater chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BO...

Potential to Produce Biomass Briquettes from Tea Waste Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

Tea wastes are generated on a daily

Feasibility of using Sewage Sludge Bio char in Treating Municipal Sewage Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

In this study, activated biochar from municipal sewage sludge was used for the treatment of sewage wastewater. The sewage physicochemical parameters were measured before and after bio filtration with biochar applying the principle of adsorption using the standard methods.

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Solid Fuel Production from Landfill Waste for Promoting Sustainable Development in Africa Dr. Mercy Manyuchi (Pr. Eng; CEng, MZweIE)

In the present study, the potential to produce bio pellets from organic landfill waste was investigated as a strategy to promote sustainability of landfills as well as provision of alternative clean energy source. Organic waste was first shredded then compacted to pellets.

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