By Tendai Chisiri
A climate governance expert, Rev. Anglistone T. Sibanda, has submitted a proposal to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife, urging the government to strengthen the Climate Change Management Bill (H.B. 5 of 2025) and its associated regulations.
Sibanda’s submission highlights the need for the bill to align with the Constitution of Zimbabwe, particularly Section 73, which guarantees environmental rights for present and future generations. He also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the role of traditional leaders and local government in climate governance, as outlined in Chapter 15 of the Constitution.
The proposed amendments aim to address several key areas, including:
– *Constitutional Alignment*: Amend Clause 3 to explicitly reference Section 73 of the Constitution, guaranteeing environmental rights for present and future generations. Clause 5 should elevate rights of access to information, participation, and benefit-sharing from guiding principles to enforceable rights.
– *Establishment of an Independent Climate Action Council*: Constitute a Climate Action Council of Zimbabwe (CACZ) as an independent statutory body to provide oversight, checks, and balances on the Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority (ZiCMA) and the National Climate Fund.
– *Inclusive and Participatory Development*: Strengthen public participation in climate decision-making, ensuring inclusive and participatory development. Mandate mandatory, enforceable consultation processes with communities, women, and youth.
– *Governance and Separation of Powers*: Limit ministerial discretion by requiring Parliamentary approval for regulatory changes, fund allocations, and revocation of project authorizations. Reconstitute ZiCMA as a semi-autonomous authority accountable to Parliament.
– *Alignment with International Best Practice*: Reduce Share of Proceeds (SOP) from 30% to UNFCCC Article 6.4 levels (5% adaptation, 2% admin). Remove SOP deductions entirely for technology-based projects.
Sibanda’s proposals aim to ensure that Zimbabwe’s climate governance framework is transparent, accountable, and inclusive, and that it prioritizes the needs of local communities and future generations.
The submission has been welcomed by environmental activists, who argue that a strong climate governance framework is crucial for Zimbabwe to effectively address the impacts of climate change and achieve its development goals, including Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
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