FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HARARE, 5 JUNE 2026
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) joins the world in marking World Environment Day 2026, observed annually on 5 June, under the United Nations theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” CNRG uses this day to amplify the voices of frontline communities across Zimbabwe and to renew its call for transparent, accountable and community-centred natural resource governance.
Zimbabwe’s environment is in crisis. The Government’s recent declaration of a State of Disaster for Emergency Riverine Ecosystems Rehabilitation, covering seventeen rivers degraded by legal and illegal alluvial mining, is a stark admission that unchecked extraction has inflicted catastrophic damage on the country’s water systems, biodiversity and the communities that depend on them. Communities in Hwange, Marange, Penhalonga, Zvishavane, Shurugwi and beyond face compounding crises: land dispossession, water contamination, forced displacement, human-wildlife conflict, and the deepening impacts of climate-induced disasters.
NATURE AS THE SOLUTION
This World Environment Day, CNRG embraces the global theme’s call to look to nature for answers. Healthy rivers, restored forests and functioning ecosystems are not luxuries — they are the foundation of food security, water access, livelihoods and cultural survival for millions of Zimbabweans. Ecosystem restoration, reforestation of post-mining landscapes, community-led agroforestry and the protection of critical watersheds are not only environmental imperatives but peace and justice imperatives.
CNRG recognises the power of nature-based solutions: restoring forests restores far more than trees. It rebuilds food systems, water catchments, medicinal plant supplies, biodiversity corridors and the cultural landscapes that anchor community identity and wellbeing. The organisation commends the work of community members, environmental organisations and reforestation champions who, often without adequate support, are healing Zimbabwe’s landscapes one tree at a time.
A JUST TRANSITION MUST CENTRE COMMUNITIES
As the world accelerates its shift toward green energy and critical mineral supply chains, lithium, chrome, platinum, gold and diamonds, CNRG cautions that a transition that replicates the injustices of fossil fuel extraction is not a just transition. Zimbabwe’s resource wealth must translate into genuine prosperity, environmental protection and dignity for host communities. Free, prior and informed consent, equitable benefit-sharing, and restorative justice must be the non-negotiable foundations of any sustainable development pathway.
CNRG also raises serious concern that the State of Disaster declaration on riverine ecosystems, while welcome in acknowledging the crisis, must not become a backdoor for further extraction under the guise of rehabilitation. Genuine ecological restoration demands specialised expertise, independent oversight, meaningful community participation and full public accountability — not expedited mining permits.
CNRG’S CALL ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026
On this World Environment Day, CNRG calls on the Government of Zimbabwe, mining companies, development partners and all stakeholders to:
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- Ensure genuine, community-centred rehabilitation of degraded rivers, forests and post-mining landscapes, guided by independent scientific expertise and public accountability;
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- Uphold the rights of frontline communities, including rights to land, water, a clean environment and free, prior and informed consent, in all resource governance decisions;
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- Invest meaningfully in nature-based climate solutions, including reforestation, ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management, with deliberate inclusion of women and youth;
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- Take urgent action on loss and damage: communities already devastated by climate-induced disasters, extractive industries and displacement cannot wait for further delays;
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- Reject false solutions, including unchecked carbon offset schemes and rehabilitation permits that mask resource extraction and pursue a genuine just transition grounded in community rights and ecological integrity;
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- Enforce strong environmental standards, transparent contracts and public disclosure for all entities involved in rehabilitation and mining activities.
Zimbabwe’s rivers, forests, wildlife and communities are a national heritage. They are the life support systems of millions of people and irreplaceable repositories of biodiversity and culture. On this World Environment Day, CNRG reaffirms its unwavering commitment: united, informed, organised and active communities are the most potent force for environmental and climate justice. Nature cannot wait. Our communities cannot wait.
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