We are extremely proud to share these inspiring stories of hope, impact, and transformation which chronicle great victories scored by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance over the past 5 years. They are a testament to the unwavering commitment of our team and the resilience of the communities we serve.
Since September 2019, CNRG has been in a USAID-supported Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Civic Participation (STACAP) consortium with the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA). The support from USAID enabled us to reach the unreached, respond to emergencies, empower local communities, amplify their voices, influence policy, and drive positive change in the face of natural resource governance challenges. The stories outlined below only capture achievements of CNRG work under the STACAP activity.
Although this activity took place in difficult circumstances, CNRG managed to influence behavior change across a spectrum of actors ranging from communities, extractive industries, local authorities, parliament, and central government.
The case studies presented here showcase our successes in halting destructive mining projects, protecting our national parks from mining, defending community land rights, and protecting ecologically sensitive areas. These achievements were made possible by our strategic advocacy initiatives, effective community mobilization tactics, tireless engagement with government entities and civil society partners, and support from our partners.
I am glad to report that through CNRG interventions over the past five years, tens of thousands of villagers were saved from displacement, and legislative reforms were initiated, which are still ongoing. Above all, CNRG has immensely contributed to raising public awareness regarding Zimbabwe’s natural resource endowment, the need to account for these resources, and encouraging Zimbabwean citizens to develop an interest in the management of natural resources. There is now a healthy debate on natural resource governance, with resource-rich and the general public increasingly demanding greater accountability and a fair share of proceeds from their natural resource.
CNRG is grateful to USAID for the support and to ZELA which served as the Prime of this consortium.
We would like to thank our hard-working team – Finance, Admin, and Programs, past and present, for their selfless dedication to implementing this activity in extremely challenging circumstances. Finally, we thank our Board of Trustees for their oversight role, leadership, and expertise which have kept us focused on our mission and goal of defending communities affected by extractive industries.