Government seeks biodiversity revenue boost

The country boasts an extensive protected areas network of 27,2 percent. These areas have significantly contributed to the safeguarding of biodiversity.

“Subsequently, these areas have generated revenue through nature-based tourism. Protected areas have also contributed to global goals such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets by increasing areas under protection, and those under the Paris Agreement through carbon sequestration,” acting Environment permanent secretary Tariro Musonza said at the official launch of the report.

“Indications in the ZBE Report are that the protected areas have the potential to grow in terms of revenue that can be realised. Government is thus, in the process of adding new areas to the network as guided by the recently adopted Global Biodiversity Framework.

“There is however, a challenge of financing the management and maintenance of protected areas. The ministry will thus, continue to lobby and engage locally and internationally for more financial support,” Musonza added.

The Environment ministry, then housed together with the tourism and hospitality portfolio, commissioned a National Biodiversity Economy study in June 2021, to provide insights on the contribution of biodiversity to the economy of Zimbabwe and inform a planning framework for natural capital accounting with support from the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF).

“The study was necessitated by the need to increase our understanding of the contribution of biodiversity to economic development of the country and subsequently inform investments into the biodiversity economy.

“The ZBE Study Report recognises the key role of nature in Zimbabwe’s economic development and will therefore, provide a foundation to harness opportunities and long-term growth of a biodiversity economy, including harnessing investments in this critical economic asset as we endeavour to attain vision 2030,” Musonza said.

Zimbabwe is rich in biodiversity in its varied landscapes and aquatic ecosystems. It has approximately 5 930 vascular plant species, of which 214 are endemic, 670 bird species, 270 mammal species, 156 reptile species, 120 amphibian species, and 141 fish species.

“These species are found within and outside protected areas. However, this biodiversity is under serious threat from climate change and human activities such as deforestation, wildlife crime, illegal harvesting and trade of wildlife and forest products,” Musonza said

AWF country director, Olivia Mufute said the launch of the ZBE Report was a manifestation of Zimbabwe’s willingness to act on climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

“(The report) contextualises this global issue within the confines of Zimbabwe. As you may be aware, biodiversity conservation and its benefits play a very critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change fueled by various factors such as deforestation, emission of greenhouse gases, pollution and other human activities.

“Biodiversity and associated ecosystems play a key role in the socio-economic development of the country.

“However, biodiversity is under threat from various drivers that include overexploitation, land use change, pollution and invasive alien species. The actual value of biodiversity in socio-economic development is largely unknown.

“The ZBE Report provides us with a potent tool for advocating the mainstreaming of biodiversity in all sectors as well as allocation of adequate resources for conservation,” Mufute said.

The ZBE Report has, therefore, focused on the following subsectors — bioprospecting and biotrade, fisheries, forestry and wildlife.

The main objective of the report is to ensure that the value of biodiversity is recognised and mainstreamed in development planning and national accounts for sustainable social and economic development.

“The bioprospecting and biotrade sector has been identified as an important sector in the Zimbabwe biodiversity economy.

“The country’s rural populace largely depends on biodiversity for their livelihoods.

“There is potential for commercialisation of some biological products, thus providing opportunities for enhancing rural livelihoods and the national economy,” Mufute said.

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