Socio-ecological transformation

Zimbabwe has not been spared by the climate crisis that has become topical the world over. Vulnerable communities have had to contend with extreme, variable weather conditions punctuated by more frequent droughts and excessive rainfall leading to shortages of food for communities dependent on natural rainfall for their survival. Urban communities have also been affected by these extreme conditions. This is particularly so for those living in informal and unsafe locations against a background of an underperforming economy that has failed to sustain livelihoods for the poor majority.

As the world struggles with the repercussions of several and interconnected crises, from growing economic inequality to the impact of climate change that are also hurting the country, discussions on progressive ways to Zimbabwe's economic transformation are more crucial than ever. Government and civil society organizations have made efforts to address the climate crisis from various perspectives both locally and on the international level. However, resource limitations owing to a number of reasons have slowed the potential for a sustainable solution. One sector that has been touted as a panacea to the country’s economic woes has been the extractive sector where significant activity is taking place. There have been concerns about the transparency and sustainability of the sector given reports about corruption and environmental degradation. Furthermore, the dependence of the country on fossil fuels has come under scrutiny in light of climate change mitigation under the Paris Agreement, to which the country is a signatory, thus calling for a sustainable socio-ecological transformation. In order to avoid harmful global warming, the Paris Agreement emphasizes that greenhouse gas neutrality must be attained by the middle of this century.

The FES is supporting efforts by civil society, trade unions, women, young people, and government departments to drive sustainable socio-ecological transformation from a social justice perspective. Partners are particularly supported through seminars, research, solidarity, and lobbying platforms advancing socially fair economic development perspectives that prioritize environmental and social sustainability. Fes Zimbabwe wants to ensure that policymakers pick up on proposals from non-state civil society and trade union actors to design socially just and sustainable policies and programs for climate change adaptation, mitigation, and extractive industries. Thus, in collaboration with these partners, FES Zimbabwe seeks to dismantle socially and environmentally destructive structures and advance climate policies that consider the political, economic, ecological, technological, and social needs of the country and the world.