Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation Launches ProNRM Project to Promote Sustainable Natural Resources Management

Strategic Insights -

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO) has initiated the Promoting Equitable and Sustainable Natural Resources Management (ProNRM) project, a four-year initiative supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The project aims to promote responsible mining, trade, and investment practices that respect environmental, economic, social, and cultural rights (EESCRs). ZELO's goal is to ensure benefits for marginalised communities, citizens of Zimbabwe, and other stakeholders. Building on its previous success with Sida from 2021 to 2025, which strengthened community-level governance for food security and climate resilience in Gutu, Gwanda, and Binga districts, ProNRM will tackle a broader scope of sustainable and equitable natural resources management in Zimbabwe, with a focus on Bikita, Chiredzi, Gutu, Gwanda, and Zvishavane districts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ProNRM project, supported by Sida, will run until December 2028 and aims to promote responsible mining, trade, and investment practices that respect EESCRs.
  • The project will benefit marginalised communities, citizens of Zimbabwe, and other stakeholders.
  • ProNRM will build on ZELO's previous work with Sida from 2021 to 2025, which strengthened community-level governance for food security and climate resilience in Gutu, Gwanda, and Binga districts.
  • The project will focus on sustainable and equitable natural resources management in Zimbabwe, particularly in Bikita, Chiredzi, Gutu, Gwanda, and Zvishavane districts.
  • ZELO Deputy Director Mr. Shamiso Mtisi stated that the project is anchored in the principle that natural resources must benefit all people.
  • The ProNRM project aims to improve sustainable management of land and natural resources, including forestry, water, and wildlife, for marginalised communities in Chiredzi and Bikita districts.
  • The project also advocates for climate justice and a just transition in Gutu and Gwanda districts and beyond, for the benefit of marginalised communities and stakeholders.
  • Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Per Lindgarde highlighted the importance of sustainable management of land, forestry, water, and wildlife for Zimbabwe's long-term prosperity and food security.
  • ProNRM will operate at local, national, and regional levels, acknowledging that change must be holistic and recognising the importance of a community's voice in decisions affecting their land and water.

Statistics:

  • The ProNRM project will run until December 2028, a duration of 4 years.
  • The project is supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
  • ZELO's previous work with Sida from 2021 to 2025 strengthened community-level governance for food security and climate resilience in Gutu, Gwanda, and Binga districts.
  • The ProNRM project will focus on 5 districts: Bikita, Chiredzi, Gutu, Gwanda, and Zvishavane.

Sources:

  • Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO)
  • Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
  • Per Lindgarde, Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe