Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting climate change, with Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi saying the country remains committed to its climate targets.
Minister Rwodzi made the remarks while representing Zimbabwe at the Climate Summit convened by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN General Assembly in New York.
She said Zimbabwe remained committed to the Paris Agreement and its Third Generation Nationally Determined Contribution.
Under the commitment, Zimbabwe is targeting a 40 percent reduction in per-capita greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
Minister Rwodzi said the climate agenda was anchored on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s National Development Agenda, with climate resilience being pursued in agriculture, water, infrastructure and tourism.
She said tourism depended on healthy ecosystems, biodiversity and climate-resilient destinations.
Minister Rwodzi added that Zimbabwe was also implementing climate-smart agriculture to strengthen the country’s resilience and ensure food security.
She cited Pfumvudza/Intwasa among the agricultural climate-proofing initiatives being implemented in the country.
And she also highlighted mineral value addition through local lithium processing, saying more than 16 000 tonnes of lithium sulphate had been produced, valued at close to US$100 million.
Minister Rwodzi said climate action must also benefit communities through economic value, job creation and improved livelihoods.
She said Zimbabwe’s climate agenda was therefore not only about protecting the environment but also about supporting economic development and improving people’s lives.
Zimbabwe’s participation at the summit comes as the country prepares to host the first-ever meeting of all UN Tourism Member States for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.
The meeting is expected to advance global dialogue on sustainable and resilient tourism.
