OPENING REMARKS BY HONOURABLE JOANA MAMOMBE

(CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND TOURISM)

DELIVERED AT THE ACCOUNTABILITY LAB CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP

(JUNE 2024)

 RAINBOW, KADOMA RANCH.

Hon Members of Parliament;

Distinguished guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity to address this esteemed gathering. In that same breadth, I cordially welcome you all to this vital capacity- building workshop for us Parliamentarians on the unbundling of the Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill, gazetted in May of 2024. C.S Lewis once said, “The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge”. Our congregation here today, bears a clear testimony of the significant role that we, lawmakers, play in shaping the future of our nation`s conservation efforts. This workshop, therefore, presents a valuable opportunity for us as individuals and as a collective to unpack and explore the intricacies of the Amendment Bill before us, enhancing our understanding of its provisions in the process, and foster a comprehensive approach to sustainable wildlife conservation and management. Over the next one and half days, it is my hope that we will apply ourselves fully as we engage in the informative conversations, share expertise, and exchange insights that will ensure our nation`s Parks and Wildlife are conserved, protected and sustainably utilized. As representatives of the people, we are duty bound to make sure there is a fair benefit-sharing model amongst stakeholders including the most vulnerable communities staying in the vicinities of these national parks and wildlife.

Honourable Members, Ladies and gentlemen; As custodians of the constitution, it is prudent that we as parliamentarians remain alive to its provisions such as Section 73 on environmental protection, Section 74 on conservation of natural resources as well as Section 75 on wildlife conservation and Section 305 on International agreements related to environmental conservation and wildlife management. We must also, comprehend Section 294 of the same Constitution that provides for the power of parliament to legislate on matters related to environmental conservation and wildlife management. It is therefore of utmost significance that our facilitators pay colossal attention to these provisions and how the bill interface with them to shape the required narrative.

Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen; There is a direct connect of the vision and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe of attaining an upper middle-income society by 2030, (National Development Strategy 1-NDS 1) leaving no place and no one behind and the very amendment bill we intend to pass into law. In our minds, we are questioning ourselves as to what this entails for the most vulnerable communities affected the most by the human wildlife conflicts. Does relief being proffered in the bill, the most ideal over total compensation and is the architecture sustainable? More so, are we not losing each other in terms of definitions alluded to in the bill. More importantly, are the provisions in the bill adequate and sufficient to align with NDS 1 `s environmental protection objectives that promote sustainable development and conservation?

Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen; Having gone through the pregnant programme as well as the competent list of facilitators, I am convinced that this engagement will answer the many questions lingering in our heads. The facilitators` cumulative knowledge and experience in the subject matter is clearly exceptional to say the least. It is therefore, my fervent optimism and trust that the knowledge will be delivered in a much modest manner, without compromising on the fundamentals.  To the Honourable members, I implore you to engage effectively, guided by our commitment to the noble ideals that bind us together, of environmental stewardship, justice, as well as equity, and the pursuit of the common good. Together, we can build a more prosperous, more resilient and sustainable future for all Zimbabweans.  Using the powers vested in me, I officially open the workshop, and wish all of you, fruitful deliberations.

I Thank You!