The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is set to play a pivotal role at the upcoming IUCN Africa Conservation Forum (ACF), themed “African Solutions for Nature and People: Creating Transformative Responses to the Biodiversity and Climate Crisis in Africa.”
With a focus on leveraging the ACF for greater impact, ZELA aims to enhance its advocacy and policy influence to ensure local communities’ needs and perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.
“ZELA looks forward to amplifying its advocacy and policy Influence through participating in discussions on policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms, ensuring that local communities’ needs and perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.
“The forum presents an opportunity to establish strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, governmental bodies, donors and private sector entities, to pool resources and expertise, scaling successful initiatives and fostering a unified approach to conservation.
“ZELA can inspire conservation action by showcasing successful projects and innovative solutions that demonstrate commitment. In the same vein, the forum will also expose the organization to emerging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation,” read a statement from ZELA
The advocacy group said it is steadfast in the belief that Africa’s conservation efforts lie in the hands of its people. The organization is dedicated to empowering local communities through education, capacity building, and promoting equitable resource management.
“ZELA recognizes the profound impact of climate change on Africa’s ecosystems and commits to continue crafting initiatives that focus on enhancing climate resilience through ecosystem-based adaptation, sustainable land use practices, and advocating for robust climate policies and laws.
“ZELA values collaboration and commits to working with governments, NGOs, the private sector, and international partners to create synergies that amplify all conservation efforts and drive impactful change that will lead to intra and intergenerational equity towards sustainable utilization of nature’s resources.
“Based on its belief that effective conservation requires supportive legal and policy frameworks, ZELA will continue to advocate for laws and policies that prioritize biodiversity conservation, environmental justice, and sustainable development,” said ZELA.
