Greening Zimbabwe's urban landscapes: Collaborative effort launched to transform Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe - In a move to address the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, and members of the Bulawayo local authority, convened a crucial technical inception workshop for the Sustainable Cities Integrated Programme (SCIP).

The workshop which was held on 1 October 2024, was a preparatory grant meeting, where FAO, with inputs from all stakeholders, came up with a draft project proposal for implementing the Sustainable Cities Integrated Programme (SCIP) in Bulawayo.

The SCIP project aims to transform the two cities of Bulawayo and Harare into greener, cleaner, and more resilient urban centers, setting a new standard for sustainable development of agrifood systems in Zimbabwe.

"Our cities are becoming deserts, with trees and green spaces being cleared to make way for development," said Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Provincial Environmental Manager, Sithembisiwe Ndlovu, on behalf of Edward Samuriwo, Director of Natural Resources in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and National Focal for GEF Projects. "This initiative is our chance to reverse that trend and create vibrant, livable cities that are in harmony with nature," she added.

The Green Cities Initiative, which was launched by FAO in September 2020, has already secured significant funding, from the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and from the World Bank-managed Sustainable Cities Integrated Program (SCIP). This makes Zimbabwe one of only 20 countries globally participating in the Global SCIP programme.

In Zimbabwe the project targets to Increase the area dedicated to agroforestry practices in annual cropland. “This will enhance biodiversity, improved soil health, carbon sequestration, and provide diversified income streams for farmers to improve community livelihood and food security in the country,” said Valentina Resente, International GEF Project Design Expert.

In addition, the project will increase the biomass of existing forests, support the regeneration of wetlands and degraded lands while mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emission by expanding agroforestry and promoting land restoration practices.

“The project is planned to restore 1 931 hectares of forest, hectares of grass and shrubland and a total of 39 hectares of wetlands. In addition, the project will mitigate 919 444 tonnes direct emissions of carbon dioxide,” added Valentina Resente.

FAO, a key partner in the initiative, outlined its strategic framework for the project, focusing on the transformation of agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, better environment, and a better life for all.

"This is a holistic approach that addresses the interconnected challenges of urban development, food security, and climate change," said Green Cities Initiative Project Coordinator, Constance Sekete on behalf of FAO Interim Head of Programmes in Zimbabwe, Tendai Munyokoveri. "By working closely with the government and local authorities, we aim to create a model for sustainable urbanization that can be replicated across the country and the region."

The initiative's objectives include improving the urban environment, strengthening urban-rural linkages, increasing the availability of green spaces, and addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. To achieve these goals, the stakeholders pledged to establish a steering committee, develop detailed implementation plans, and engage the local community.

"We are excited to be part of this transformative project," said Bongiwe Ngwenya the City of Bulawayo, Corporate Communications Officer. "This is an opportunity to not only make our city greener and more livable but also to build resilience against the impacts of climate change."

The Green Cities Initiative in Zimbabwe is a demonstration to the power of collaboration and the commitment to creating a sustainable future for urban dwellers. As the project unfolds, the eyes of the nation and the region will be on Bulawayo and Harare, watching as they pave the way for a greener, more resilient, and more livable urban landscape.