Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation

02/08/2026

02/08/2026

24/07/2026

Active participation drives successful implementation, but it is administrative and executive buy‑in that truly secures the outcome.

That commitment was on full display yesterday as the Annual National Convention on the Future of Community‑Based Natural Resource Management in Zimbabwe kicked off in Harare, with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife confirming that it has adopted a strategic approach to developing a dedicated National CBNRM Strategy.

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation commends the Ministry for spearheading this high‑level endorsement, which drew an impressive cross‑section of stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, senior Government officials, representatives from line ministries, departments and agencies, traditional leaders, community representatives, Rural District Councils, development partners, and civil society organisations.

In her keynote address, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Hon. Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu highlighted that the Convention arrives at a pivotal moment, as the nation continues to strengthen frameworks for sustainable natural resource management in alignment with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Act, the approved national wildlife policy, and the recently developed Human‑Wildlife Conflict Strategy.

This visible high-level backing reaffirms that the Convention serves as an inclusive national platform, bringing together Government, traditional leaders, Rural District Councils, producer communities, civil society, academia, development partners, and the private sector to jointly shape the strategic architecture and roadmap for preparing, validating, and eventually adopting Zimbabwe's National CBNRM Strategy.

It is also encouraging to have regional counterparts, sharing lessons and their experience in ensuring natural resource management is locally led.

Kudos to our partners in bringing this visionary event to life Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife WWF Zimbabwe Environmental Management Agency Zimparks Forestry Commission Zimbabwe Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe and Maliasili

Simon Masanga Christian Aid Irish Aid fans

22/07/2026

Did you know about General Comment No. 26 (GC26) by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child?

This landmark guidance underscores the critical intersection of children’s rights and the environment, with a particular emphasis on climate change. It calls for urgent, concrete action and outlines what Governments must do to protect ALL the rights of EVERY child, now and in the future.

Supported by Terre des Hommes Germany, we brought this conversation to Gwanda over the past week, engaging with school eco-clubs, community youth groups, government representatives, and other local stakeholders.

At Sabiwa Primary and Secondary, Mandihongola Primary, and Ntalale Secondary schools, we introduced learners to GC26 and facilitated hands-on training sessions led by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA)-Zimbabwe on environmental protection, recycling, and waste management.

Beyond the classroom, youth clubs in Wards 5 and 11 also took part, showing great commitment to deepening their understanding of environmental child rights.

In a multi-stakeholder session, the Gwanda District Development Coordinator’s Office reinforced a powerful message: young people are not just leaders of tomorrow - they are leaders today. The call for a collaborative, cross-sectoral approach was clear, and we are proud to be part of this collective effort.

Together, we can turn awareness into action for a safer, more sustainable future for every child.

📢 Coming soon!! Look out for our General Comment No. 26 online campaign.

14/07/2026

🚀It's here! The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO) 2025 Annual Report is out!

Reflecting on a year of growth and increased impact in promoting sustainable natural resource management, the report details a year to be proud of. Here are some highlights:

✅ The report highlights the successful transitioning from the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) to the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO).
✅ This rebranding dovetailed with the celebration of our 25th Anniversary, making it a foundational event that sets the stage for our strategic direction.
✅ ZELO demonstrated significant influence over key national policies and laws, being the only civil society organization invited by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to review the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, successfully influencing proposed amendments for the formal recognition of artisanal miners.
✅ We also led the clause-by-clause review of the Climate Change Management Bill for the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
✅ ZELO also launched the inaugural Environmental Law Conference and established the first-ever Environmental Law Clinics at the University of Zimbabwe and Midlands State University.

👀There is more, read the full 2025 Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation ZELO Annual report on our website here: https://zela.org/download/zelo-2025-annual-report/

13/07/2026

Last week, we kicked off the conversation by looking at land, livelihoods and mining. This week, we're taking it a step further — and asking a big question: Who decides?

Episode 2 takes a closer look at power, decision-making and community voices. Who makes the decisions that shape mining communities? And do the people most affected have a meaningful say?

🎬 Watch the animation, share it with your community and join the conversation.
Want to dig deeper?

Download the full Community Brief from the link below:
https://zela.org/download/community-brief-mines-and-minerals-bill-2025/

And don't go too far — we still have one more episode coming!

06/07/2026

🤝 Great partnerships create lasting impact!

Something exciting is taking shape!

We are thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO) and African Parks, marking the beginning of a new partnership dedicated to supporting sustainable conservation around Matusadona National Park.

Together, we are bringing our strengths to the table to foster meaningful community engagement, encourage inclusive participation, and support conservation efforts that benefit both people and nature.

This is more than just the signing of an agreement, it is the start of a shared journey built on collaboration, trust, and a common vision for thriving communities and protected landscapes.

📖 Read our full article from the link below to discover what this partnership means and what lies ahead.

By Kudakwashe Dube, Joshua Machinga and Hazel T. Chimbiro Matusadonha Park Manager Michael Pelham together with ZELO Executive Director Mutuso Dhliwayo during the MoU signing ceremony Matusadonha National Park, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO) has signed a Memorandum o...

01/07/2026

Mining laws affect us all, but how well do we understand them?

We're excited to launch Episode 1 of our 3-part Community Brief animation series on the Mines and Minerals Ammendment Bill.

Episode 1: Land, Livelihood & Mining explores what the Bill could mean for communities, their land, and their livelihoods, while breaking down key issues in a simple and accessible way ahead of the public hearings.

Want to learn more? Download the full Community Brief from the link below;
https://zela.org/download/community-brief-mines-and-minerals-bill-2025

Watch, share, and join the conversation.

And don't go too far — Episode 2 drops soon!