FAO hands over vehicles for scaling up sustainable forest and land management in Zimbabwe

Harare - To support the population of the different regions of Zimbabwe in sustainable forest and land management, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) handed over to the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) two brand new vehicles.

This action is part of the GEF-7, Sustainable Forest Management Impact Program on Dryland Sustainable Landscapes, implemented by FAO and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife through the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in collaboration with other governmental, NGO and private sector partners, and financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 7 Cycle.

The vehicles will specifically strengthen and increase the efficiency of field activities undertaken by EMA in promoting the sustainable management of Miombo and Mopane production landscapes in Save and Runde sub-basins following the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) approach.

The FAO Country Representative, Patrice Talla, assured the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Sithembiso Nyoni, and those present that FAO was fully available to continue and strengthen its assistance to the Government of Zimbabwe in its continuous effort to ensure the socio-economic development of its people.

Patrice Talla added that the vehicles will, “strengthen the capacities of EMA, enhance efficiency and timeous implementation of the project while building the foundations for scaling up sustainable forest and land management in Save and Runde basins.”

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, EMA Board Chair, Ambassador Zenzo Nsimbi, highlighted that it was the ministry’s goal to ensure that these vehicles will be put to good use to enable the country to fulfill its land degradation neutrality targets set under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

“These vehicles should enable the GEF Project Management Unit and partners to deliver their mandate across the project area. I am excited to see how these new vehicles will transform the lives of marginalized communities in the project area,” said Sithembiso Nyoni.

The minister showed appreciation to FAO for trusting EMA to implement this project and called on public authorities, and technical and financial partners, to remain united, hand in hand, to achieve the sustainable development goals that the government has set itself.

“I encourage all of you to continue supporting this initiative and finding ways to get involved. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a more equitable and inclusive community,” said the Minister.

About the DSL IP Project

The Sustainable Forest Management Impact Program on Dryland Sustainable Landscapes (SFM/Drylands IP) project is part of a global program led by FAO, with Global Environment Facility (GEF) 7 Cycle funding. In Zimbabwe the project builds on the experience and lessons learned, and ensures close collaboration with, ongoing and planned initiatives by organizations including the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The project interventions are implemented in eight districts – including Chivi and Chipinge districts identified as Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) hotspots – of three provinces of Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands.