NATIONAL LEGISLATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
The Zimbabwe Constitution
Section 73. Environmental rights
Ownership of natural resources
- Every person has the right-
- to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well- being; and
- to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation-
- Promote conservation; and
- Secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting economic and social development.
- The State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the available to it, to achieve the progressive realization of the rights set out in this section.
Environment Management Act: Environment Impact Assessment
The Environmental Management Agency formulates quality standards on air, including GHGs. It assist with ‘managing’ the environment by developing a national plan, regulating and monitoring the discharge or emission of GCG and carrying out many other environment related duties and functions as directed by the Minister.
The Environmental Management Board consists of 19 to 15 members appointed by the Minister after consultation with the President. There should be at least one expert from each of the following areas: environmental planning and management; environmental economics; ecology; pollution; waste management; soil science; hazardous substances; water and sanitation. One shall be a legal practitioner registered in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act and another Secretary for the Ministry responsible for the environment.
Energy Regulatory Authority Act NO. 3 OF 2011
The act establishes the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA)’ which regulates the procurement, production, transportation, transmission, distribution, importation and exportation of energy derived from any energy source. The authority is responsible for promoting renewable energy.
The Energy Regulatory Board which controls and manages ZERA was also established under this Act. The Act provides requirements, processes and rules related to energy source licensing. The Energy Regulatory Act Amends the Electricity Act of 2002 and the Petroleum Act of 2006.
Civil Protection Act
Provides for establishing civil protection organization funding and the operation of civil protection services in times of disaster.
Urban Councils Act
Empowers urban councils and municipal boards to enact by-laws that regulate the collection and disposal of waste within their areas of jurisdiction.
Rural District Council Act
Empowers rural district councils to enact by-laws that regulate the collection and disposal of waste as well as the preservation of forests within their areas of jurisdiction.
INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS RATIFIED BY ZIMBABWE
| Name of Instrument/framework | Area of focus | Status | |
| United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992
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Stabilizing GHG concentration in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system Since 1995, it has organized annual COPs.
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Signed and ratified 1992
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| UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), 1994
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Combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought through national action progrrammes that incorporate long-term strategies supported by international co-operation and partnerships.
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Ratified 1997
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| The Kyoto Protocol (signed in 1997 and entered into force 2005)
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It established procedures to increase the flexibility and the reduce GHG emissions
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Ratified 2009
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| Vienna Convention for the Protection of Ozone layer (1987) and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer( 1990)
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Protecting the ozone-depleting substances.
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Acceded November 1992
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| Rio Declaration on Environment and Development< 1992
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Defined people’s rights to development and responsibilities for safeguarding the common environment. Long-term economic progress is linked to environmental protection. Enact of effective environmental legislation by states
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Not applicable
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Continental and Regional Instruments and Framework on Climate Change
| Name of Instrument/Framework | Area of Focus | Date signed/ratified |
| African Convention on the Conversation of Nature and Natural Resources, 1969
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Adopting, measures to ensure the conservation’ utilization and development of soil, water, flora and fauna resources
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Unratified
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| The AU Agriculture on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Framework August, 2011
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Climate change, environment and mitigation issues
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Signed August 2011
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| Gaborone Declaration on Climate Change on Africa’s UNEP,2013
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Coordinating ,facilitating ,harnessing and strengthening the exchange of information and knowledge for climate change adaptation
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Signed 2013
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| Southern Africa Sub-Regional Framework on Climate Change 2010
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Streamlining climate change responses at sub-regional level
Prioritizing adaptation and migration strategies
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Not applicable
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| Climate Change Adaptation In SADC
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Water sector
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| SADC Action Plan On Climate Change
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Mitigating climate change effects in the energy sector
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Not applicable
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