The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is a premier public interest environmental law organisation which seeks to promote environmental justice, sustainable and equitable use of natural resources, democracy and good governance in the natural resources and environment sector. ZELA’s work is mainly anchored on a core group of rights which are reflective of natural resources governance namely; Environmental, Economic, Social and Cultural (EESC) rights. As such a large component of the organisation's work involves influencing implementation and reforms within legal and institutional frameworks governing the environment and natural resources sector through research, civic education and advocacy.
As an organisation we believe that having adequate laws in place and monitoring implementation are the first steps towards good governance of natural resources and the environment. For the past 20 years, we have managed to make notable contributions to the legal, policy and institutional frameworks governing the environment and natural resources sector for broad based sustainable environmental and socio-economic development through our work in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Through this newsletter, we get to share with you relevant updates as we drive our mission of promoting environmental justice through sustainable and equitable utilization of natural resources and environmental protection. |
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CSOs consolidate community voices in challenging mining related injustices
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The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) will on Monday (May 11,2020) host the Chivi District Alternative Mining Indaba (DAMI).
Due to the unprecedented crisis the world is faced with, the DAMI will be broadcast on radio. This is a compliance measure as recommended by the World Health Organisation and the government of Zimbabwe COVID-19 guidelines where social and physical distancing is encouraged.
The Indaba which will run under the theme, ‘Amplifying community voices in fighting mining related injustices and inequalities’ is building on the convenings of yesteryear where communities from resource rich communities have been afforded a safe space to engage with duty bearers and mining companies, coalesce and organise as they confront the various forms of mining sector injustices.
Despite vast resource endowment, Zimbabwe’s huge populace is faced with entrenched poverty. This has been attributed to poor natural resource governance, human rights violations, environmental degradation among others. To follow the conversation, tune in on YAFM 91.8 on Monday at 1800hrs-1900hrs C.A.T.
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Mining sector exemptions from the COVID-19 lockdown: Motivations and triggers
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On Sunday, April 19, 2020 and barely a few hours before the expiry of the initial 21 day COVID-19 induced lockdown announced on the 30th of March 2020, the President of Zimbabwe announced the extension of the National Lockdown period by an extra two weeks to contain the spread of the deadly pandemic. Part of the measures that constituted the first lockdown period included banning of gatherings, adoption of social distancing measures and closing of non-essential industries and businesses.
What is unique about the two weeks lockdown extension is that the government relaxed some of the restrictions on the operations of the economy. President Mnangagwa entreated the mining sector to either resume or upscale operations while highlighting the conditions attached to this directive. Mining companies were ordered to fully ensure the safety and health of their workers by observing guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The government’s move to single out and fully exempt the mining sector came as a surprise to many. Many people were not clear in terms of what motivated and triggered the government to make this move...............Click here for more information.
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Illegal Wildlife Trade,an elephant in the room
Wildlife trade has been a topical issue in the past, but this time around what makes it more special is the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists suspect that the virus has its origins in snakes, bats and pangolins, the latter of which is an endangered wildlife species [1]. Although the origins of the disease are currently unproven, there are strong indications of a wild animal source and a direct link to wildlife trade in China........... Click here for more information
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Thinking through COVID-19 responses for resource rich African countries
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The spread of Covid-19 in Africa still pales in comparison to places like New York alone, but the estimated socio-economic impact of the pandemic on the continent is staggering. The cases are still low at 44,873 infections, 1,807 deaths, and 15,179 recoveries (as of 4th May 2020). Yet oil exporting nations are estimated to lose US$65 billion in revenues as crude oil prices tumble dramatically, according to a recent report by the Economic Commission of Africa (ECA).
The soft underbellies of the African state are now being exposed as the continent grapples with the unfolding health and economic crisis. It is time to rethink the design of African states and their development models........Click here for more information.
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Machete gang strikes at Maphisa mine
A SEVEN-MEMBER gang raided a gold mine in Maphisa, Matabeleland South province on Saturday, invoking memories of terror linked to the machete-wielding criminals.
Police confirmed the incident that occurred at Goodcow Mine where the criminals armed with a fire-arm, machetes and axes made off with 12 by 50kg bags half filled with gold ore..........Click here for more information.
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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
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Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following: Click here for more information. |
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Conversations that matter
Shone Farayi
@shonefarayi
#COVID19 is a double edged sword, drained up all opportunities for resource dependent economies to mobilize revenue & there is more pressure on Gvt’s to invest more in public health & welfare support
Upcoming Events
ZELA on YA FM 91.8
ZELA radio guest: Mutuso Dhliwayo
Dates: 12 May 2020
Time: 1800 hours – 1830 hours (2 radio programmes 30 minutes each on the above stated dates)
Topic: Access to information and mining in Zimbabwe
Talking points:
1. The position of the law on access to information in Zimbabwe. The Constitution and relevant legislation
2.The obligations and rights of the communities and mining companies.
3.The kind of information that the community should look out for.
4. How to use the information to demand transparency and accountability
5.Remedies that are available for the communities if they are denied access to information
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
#s
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