As the world commemorates World Environment Day 2026, this edition of The Weekly arrives at a time when questions of environmental justice, climate resilience, and responsible resource governance are more urgent than ever.
This week, Zimbabwe’s declaration of a State of Disaster for degraded riverine ecosystems marks a significant moment in the country’s environmental governance landscape. For years, communities, environmental advocates, and organisations such as the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) have raised concerns about the destructive impacts of riverbed mining. The declaration acknowledges the scale of the crisis but also presents an important test: whether rehabilitation efforts will prioritise ecological restoration, transparency, and accountability over short-term economic interests.
Beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, Africa’s growing role in the global critical minerals economy continues to generate both opportunities and challenges. Our analysis explores a frequently overlooked issue in this conversation—the enduring threat posed by landmines in regions earmarked for mineral development. Sustainable development requires more than investment and infrastructure; it demands safe, accessible, and secure landscapes for communities.
This edition also highlights the premiere of CNRG’s new documentary, Beyond the Storm, which revisits the experiences of Cyclone Idai survivors five years after the disaster. As climate-related disasters become increasingly frequent and severe, the documentary reminds us that recovery is not a single event but a long-term process requiring justice, accountability, and meaningful community participation.
At the community level, we celebrate the training of paralegals on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Hwange. Strengthening local justice systems and empowering communities to respond to rights violations remains central to building resilient and inclusive societies, particularly in mining-affected areas.
Collectively, the stories featured in this edition underscore a common theme: sustainable development cannot be achieved without placing people, ecosystems, and justice at the centre of decision-making. Whether addressing environmental degradation, climate impacts, gender inequality, or the governance of natural resources, meaningful progress depends on accountability and the active participation of affected communities.
We thank our readers, partners, and communities for continuing to engage with these important conversations and invite you to join us in advancing a future where natural resources contribute to dignity, equity, and sustainable development for all.
The Editorial Team
The Weekly – Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG)