MILLICENT HUNGWE
In a bid to strengthen the capacity of traditional leaders in handling environmental issues, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is rolling out workshops across the country.
EMA engaged with Village Heads, Assessors, and Messengers in Bubi District, Matabeleland North Province, under the guidance of Senate Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the Chiefs Council.
The Midweek Watch confirmed that traditional leaders have always played a pivotal role in environmental protection, serving as the first line of defense and authority in the custodianship of natural resources and the environment, as custodians of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), they possess valuable insights into the management of natural resources within their areas of jurisdiction.
EMA spokesperson Amkela Sidange said, “Traditional leaders are the custodians of natural resources and gatekeepers of all natural goods that occur under their jurisdiction, by engaging them through their messengers, training them, and even their monitors who assist the Chiefs, we help build their capacity to manage the environment, whether through law enforcement or other means.
“Our goal is to empower traditional leaders to take their rightful place as custodians of the environment, we want to support them in using their meetings (dare) to inform villagers about environmental offenders and to strengthen their role in protecting the environment.”
According to the Traditional Leaders Act, it mandates them to oversee the sustainable utilization and management of natural resources, they are responsible for formulating By-Laws and enforcing them to achieve healthy ecosystems.
EMA recognizes the critical role traditional leaders play in protecting Zimbabwe’s environment and is committed to supporting their efforts.
The workshop aimed to capacitate Village Heads, Assessors, and Messengers on their roles and responsibilities in environmental management. The participants gained insights into their legislative powers, learned to identify environmental offenses, and developed skills in crafting Local Environmental Action and Implementation Plans for their areas of jurisdiction.
She went on to say that EMA values stakeholder participation in fulfilling its mandate to sustainably manage natural resources and protect the environment, so by engaging traditional leaders, EMA seeks to strengthen partnerships and collaboration in environmental conservation efforts.
EMA remains committed to supporting and empowering traditional leaders in their critical work, ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of Zimbabwe’s environment and communities.
