Introduction: Plastic pollution remains an urgent global environmental crisis that demands immediate attention. While discussions surrounding its impact on our oceans and wildlife are commonplace, we often ignore the injustices faced by marginalised communities in the global South. These communities are disproportionately affected due to the lack of effective waste management systems and capacity. To address plastic pollution, we must confront the systemic issues ingrained within the global plastic value chain, consumption patterns, and regional disparities. This article highlights the hidden injustices caused by plastic pollution and challenges the global spectacularism often associated with days like World Environment Day.

The Plastic Paradox: Holding Corporations Accountable for Their Actions: The convenience of plastic use in wealthier societies is intrinsically linked to complex power dynamics. However, we must reflect on the origins of plastic while acknowledging who benefits from the profits generated by plastic packaging. Shifting the blame solely onto consumers based on their economic status is a diversion tactic that obscures the true culprits: corporations responsible for plastic production, consumption, and disposal. Recycling, touted as a solution, has proven to be a dismal failure in addressing the root causes of plastic pollution. It is high time we hold these corporations accountable for perpetuating this environmental crisis through their actions.

Expanding the Scope: Addressing Injustices in the Global South: The Global South bears the brunt of plastic pollution, suffering from the lack of effective waste management systems and capacity. Marginalised communities in these regions often live close to landfills and waste disposal sites, exposing them to severe health hazards and environmental degradation. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and marginalisation, further exacerbating their plight. Governments play a critical role in rectifying this injustice by implementing policies that eliminate unnecessary plastic products and supporting the development of robust waste management systems. We must empower these communities to take control of their futures and break free from the chains of plastic pollution.

Environmental Governance and Global Accountability: A Call for Real Action: Governments hold significant responsibility in the fight against plastic pollution. While they can enact policies to eliminate unnecessary plastic products and promote sustainable consumption and production practices, their actions often must be revised. Global accountability is necessary to challenge the pretence surrounding days like World Environment Day. Governments must adopt a holistic approach to addressing the plastic pollution crisis’s social, economic, and environmental dimensions. A holistic approach includes investing in adequate waste management infrastructure, providing education and awareness programs, and collaborating with international bodies to ensure fair and equitable global solutions.

Exploring Sustainable Solutions: Embracing Alternatives for a Just Future: The circular economy presents a promising pathway to tackle plastic pollution sustainably. However, it is crucial to recognise the importance of indigenous knowledge and alternative approaches rooted in social and environmental justice. Communities in the global South often possess traditional knowledge and practices that prioritise long-term sustainability and community well-being. By embracing these indigenous perspectives alongside technological innovations, we can create a more equitable world free from the shackles of plastic pollution. We must support and learn from these communities, promoting inclusive solutions that challenge global spectacularism and foster a just future.

Conclusion: On this World Environment Day, it is time to shatter the global pretence and demand real action to address the plastic pollution crisis. We must confront the injustices marginalised communities face in the global South, including the lack of effective waste management systems and capacity. Holding corporations accountable for their actions is crucial, but empowering these communities and supporting their efforts to break free from plastic pollution’s grasp is equally essential. Let us use this day as a catalyst for change, challenging the status quo and demanding global accountability. Together, we can forge a path.

Rethinking Plastic Pollution: Uncovering Hidden Injustices and Demanding Global Accountability

Introduction: Plastic pollution remains an urgent global environmental crisis that demands immediate attention. While discussions surrounding its impact on our oceans and wildlife are commonplace, we often ignore the injustices faced by marginalised communities in the global South. These communities are disproportionately affected due to the lack of effective waste management systems and capacity. To…

by Rodrick Moyo June 5, 2023June 5, 2023

Wetlands vital in protecting our biodiversity

The World Wetlands Day celebrated on the 2nd February of every year marks the date for the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) in the Iranian City of Ramsar on the same day in 1971

by Rodrick Moyo February 14, 2020February 17, 2020

Leveraging on innovation to enhance environmental justice: Envirobot

First appeared: http://www.zela.org Written by Richard Ncube, Rodrick Moyo and Josephine Chiname  (Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association) Introduction As the world drives towards the fourth industrial revolution, innovation, information and communication technologies (ICTs), have become indispensable to our daily lives. In that regard, it is becoming almost impossible for any service provider to achieve any meaningful…

by Rodrick Moyo February 14, 2020

First appeared: http://www.zela.org

Written by Richard Ncube, Rodrick Moyo and Josephine Chiname  (Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association)

Introduction

As the world drives towards the fourth industrial revolution, innovation, information and communication technologies (ICTs), have become indispensable to our daily lives. In that regard, it is becoming almost impossible for any service provider to achieve any meaningful results without embracing the technological wave. Strikingly, the provision of legal services has not been spared as technological innovation is challenging the way interaction with clients and acquiring legal advice is being administered globally. We now live in a global village where it has become necessary to utilize innovation and technology even in enhancing access to justice for the poor and marginalized communities who cannot afford interface services of a lawyer. Interestingly the government of Zimbabwe is already under tasked by its innovation “priority” programme dubbed: “Education 5.0” otherwise known as “Government of Zimbabwe Innovation, Science and Technology Development 2019-2030 Priority Programme”.Such a policy thrust, can only be realised through implementation of robust “innovation and ICT driven approach to all sectors of the country. This is the challenge facing various workplace environments in a bid to efficiently address issues affecting communities they are working with in this decade of fast approaching African Digitalization

New ideas to tackle current bottlenecks for citizen participation has become more than necessary and a top priority for funding partners. The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association participated in the GIZ Innovation Challenge code named “Promoting and Enforcement of Human Rights and Good Governance”. Under this last decade of the developmentary goals where ‘Action’ expected from different individuals including governments, Civil Society Organizations, None Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organisations such challenges are imperative. As Zimbabweans innovation can allow us to leverage on our abundant natural and people resources by using them to our advantage in developing an inclusive economic system that benefits all Zimbabweans.

The problem

In the Zimbabwean situation mining has not brought fortune as expected but rather it has worsened the livelihood and damaged the environment. The negative impacts of mining activities in communities are far reaching and immense. In Zvishavane the community has been left to deal with water, dusty, air and noise pollution and land degradation. This has exposed the community to poverty, loss of lives, deaths of livestock and loss of property which frowns upon their rights provided for in the Constitution. Looking at the negative impacts of mining activities in Zimbabwe one wonders were the problem is and why communities would allow the mining companies continue unabated. ZELA, developed a chatbot embedded in WhatsApp named ENVIROBOT to increases access to environmental justice by mineral hosts communities in Zimbabwe. While chatbots have been of much use in the customer service sector (e.g Steward Bank’s Batsi), the extent to which they could be utilised in enhancing access to justice has not been explored. Zimbabwe’s abundant natural and mineral resources, which we boast of, can only change our economic situation drastically if we are innovative enough to make these resources work to our benefit.

Innovation and technology in the environmental justice sector.

The rationale behind the use of technology in seeking for environmental justice is  not only for moving with times but also bridging the gap of information access and deficit on environmental law and mining related. Timeously address the impacts of the negative impacts of mining on the environment requires real time access to legal information which will enable mineral host communities to assert their rights. In as much as the organization also regularly conducts mobile legal clinics in areas affected by mining, there was need to create a platform that allows the community members to report cases and talk to a lawyer. Further, the need to use technology was also borne out of the realization that the are considerable number of the communities that are affected by mining often report matters to lawyers or to relevant authorities late. There was therefore the need to come up with a platform that allows mineral host communities to access legal information in the comfort of their homes and tto be able to report cases as their happening.

The product

According to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), a body mandated to issue licences in the postal and telecommunications sector, Zimbabwe now has a mobile penetration of 97. Ironically, mining communities like Zvishavane, where big mining and business corporations are in operation, there is a high mobile internet connection. Furthermore, the number of those who use these mobile phones for social media especially WhatsApp which is considered affordable has been on the rise both for urban and rural areas. Popularity and familiarity of WhatsApp across all age groups promoted the embedment of the chabot on WhatsApp. The chatbot allows the community to get legal information in the comfort of their homes. It further allows the communities to speak to a lawyer and report cases happening in their communities. For most Zimbabwe information access is a priority least to mention in mining community with so much suspicions, even if they don’t act on information communities prefer to be on the light of events rather than living in total darkness. Dissemination of news updates happening in the mining sector is an effective tool in capacitating communities to participate in decision making. The Zvishavane community received the chatbot with open arms as the area has a massive chrome mining which has had negative effects on the environment.

The benefit of using technology to enhance justice

The benefit that comes with the use of technology and in this case ENVIROBOT is that the communities get legal information when they actually need it.  The affected communities do not have to wait for lawyers to come to their area and advise them on the law. The law should come to their doorsteps. This helps them resolve the challenges associated with mining before they escalate.  Further, most mining communities are located in the remote and rural areas as such they do not have access to legal information. That being the case, the chatbot comes in to bridge the information gap. Unlike people in urban areas who may be on a favourable financial position, most people in the rural areas cannot afford the services of a lawyer.

It has been accepted as a fundamental principle of human rights law that justice delayed is justice denied, ENVIROBOT thus seeks to ensure that communities hosting mining activities are not denied justice due to accessibility and economic challenges.

Conclusion

Innovation can change the face of environmental justice in Zimbabwe and bring about change in a relatively short period of time or in the most extraordinary difficult situation. The “Zimbabwe we want” can only be achieved if we think afresh and come up with innovative ideas, plans and models that disrupt the conventional ways of doing things

First appeared at:www.zela.org.zela.org Rodrick Moyo-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association
Introduction
In a bid to address climate change, Zimbabwe committed to be an active party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) through recognizing the convention’s founding principles which include protecting the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations on the basis of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC). CBDR-RC is a universally accepted principle which provides a basis for differentiating among parties. Climate change mitigation is at the core of the convention although Zimbabwe’s main thrust revolves around adaptation and poverty reduction. This is well captured in the National Climate Change Response Strategy which was enacted as an implementation mechanism to drive climate resilience.Consequently in solidarity with the rest of the international community, the government of Zimbabwe attended the 24th Conference of Parties(COP24) in 2018 with a view of adopting the ‘Paris Rulebook’ so as to operationalise the Paris Agreement which the country has been a party since 2015. Contradictory COP 24 failed to deliver on most fundamental issues such as raising ambition of National Determined Contributions (NDCs) which Zimbabwe benchmarked at 30% per capita by 2030, actualising human rights, and guaranteeing support for developing countries. Instead delegates got more than anticipated in the form of three declarations focusing on the ‘Just Transition’; ‘Electronic mobility’ and ‘forests for climate’. While these declarations are not new within the climate change arena, little is known about the implications and opportunities provided by these declarations to Zimbabwe.
Community participation a key in climate change adaptation enhancement
Community participation remains critical in any development initiative. Increasing public awareness on climate change issues while promoting the use of clean technologies is very crucial in a high climate risk profile country such as Zimbabwe.
During the 2019, Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba organized by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association, climate change and energy issues were mainstreamed. Over 36 participants inclusive of Parliamentary Portfolio Chair of the Mines Committee Honourable Edmond Mkaratigwa participated in a hot debate stirred by preparatory whirlwinds swerving across the country as the government positioned itself ahead of COP25 in Madrid from 2nd to the 13th of December 2019.
However, it is disheartening to note that issues related to climate change are not given the attention they deserve, and one economist had this to say;
“Decisions about climate, development ambitions and actions are usually taken by (inter)national governing bodies. These decisions directly affect people’s lives, yet they are often based on numbers, while people’s real concerns are overlooked or dismissed. I do believe policy makers care about the well-being of citizens, but they often lack the ability to put the challenges we face on a human scale said Bryon Zamasiya a representative from the Zimbabwe Environmental Association during the ZAMI side session.
Climate change an environmental threat and public policy problem
Climate change has been termed the biggest environmental threat to ever confront the present and future generations, complex in nature gradually expanding to severities that cannot be precisely estimated. It remains a major challenge affecting developing countries due to the presence of multiple stressors alongside absence of adequate budgetary resources to address immediate demands of adaptation and mitigation actions.
In the ZAMI climate change and energy session Professor Tumai Murombo said that ‘If accorded the platform and relevant information citizens can influence policy, legal and decision-making processes on climate change and energy to respond their needs’ as he further buttressed the need for human centered approach in developmental issues’.
Kowatice declarations and what they entail to community development
During an inter-ministerial dialogue held on the 6th of September 2019 by the department of Climate Change Management sought amongst a plethora of issues to raise climate change awareness across line government ministries. The discussions also focused on the three topical climate change declarations that were tabled by the COP24 Presidency in 2018 and solicitation of recommendations as Zimbabwe moves forward. In the same spirit of incorporating citizen voices ZELA convened the climate change side session with the following being key critical issues observed:
Driving Change Together-Katowice Partnership for E-Mobility
A report indicates that vehicle population in Zimbabwe increased by 50 percent in just 2 years from 8000 000 to 1 200 000. Notably, the transportation sector in Zimbabwe contributes 12% of Zimbabwe’s GHG emissions as it uses 97% fossilized fuels. Common sense would entice anyone to accept any development to do away with such an enormous contribution however, it’s not always the case as the trajectory has so much more than what they eye can see.
Tafadza Dhlakama stated out that this declaration entails a transition to a low carbon economy, in particular the development and progressive deployment of zero emission vehicles should ensure real economic, health and environmental benefits for all. Similarly, the inter-ministerial dialogue proposed for its adoption as it is in line with the country’s transport master plan and the e-mobility promotion being spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority.For this to see the light of the day an integrated global approach, involving national and municipal policy makers together with investors, business leaders and consumers is needed.
E-mobility feasibility for Zimbabwe
A community representative posed a question on whether Zimbabwe is ready for the declaration and if there has been enough research to validate the feasibility of adopting the electronic vehicle. Hon Mkaratigwa on behalf of the government indicated the risk of remaining with the conventional mode of transport which would be at a cost considering that most developed countries and other major car manufacturers have already set phase out dates for petroleum powered vehicles. A paradox faced is that the country is endowed with lithium reserves from which it can generate a lot of money through trade in the race of upscaling climate action through cleaner modes of transportation. However, such to be attained could mean appending the declaration. Consequently, there is a clarion call therefore to balance the projected potential booming lithium industry and its governance with environmental protection and human rights attainment.
Solidarity and just transition
In his presentation Action Aid-Zimbabwe’s representative, Darlington Chidarara highlighted that a Just Transition of the workforce, safeguarding and creating sustainable employment and decent work are crucial to ensure public support for long-term emission reduction. Transitions must be both fast and fair if they are to obtain the social approval required to reach the targets enshrined in the Paris Agreement.
Implications
Looking ahead, the just transition provides a strategic opportunity for the climate change agenda to become better connected with people’s daily priorities. As the Polish President of COP24 observed: “In the long term, the implementation of a solidarity-based transformation will help to generate and maintain public support for policies to reduce emissions.
Katowice Ministerial Declaration on Forests (DFCC)
The Forest Declaration highlights the key role forests must play in limiting temperature rise to 1.5˚C, and emphasizes the need to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. This is a micky mouse act which showed signs that Poland hopes to use carbon offsets from forests to delay efforts to reduce emissions. Pledges to accelerate actions to ensure that the global contribution of forests and forest products is maintained and further supported and enhanced by 2050.
Facts about forests in Zimbabwe:
Forests and woodlands cover close to 42% of Zimbabwe’s land area and are found in communal areas, on private land, in national parks and protected forest areas. Communal and resettlement areas have 67% of the country’s forest and woodlands covering about 10 million hectares. Protected areas constitute 33 percent of forests in Zimbabwe. Forests contribute 3 to 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Why forests in Zimbabwe
Functions of forests in Zimbabwe
• Trees contribute to food security,
• Domestic needs for rural communities,
• Generation of rural income,
• Agricultural productivity and ultimately the protection of the environment
Concerns for Zimbabwe
Forests ability to deliver and sustain livelihoods has declined over the years due to deforestation. The main cause of deforestation has been the conversion of forest land to agricultural land accounting for 80% of the deforestation rate. Tobacco curing using firewood accounts for 15% of the total deforestation rate, while the 5% remainder is due to use of firewood for household heating and cooking. Other major direct causes of forest degradation are human activities which include overharvesting of industrial wood, veld fires and infrastructural development such as dam and road construction, both legal and illegal mining operations and illegal settlements. Consequently, for Zimbabwe, it is a noble thing to join the DFCC since it can assist the country in meeting its obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Conclusion
The Katowice partnership for electromobility creates an opportunity for Zimbabwe given the significant amount of lithium in the nation, a key ingredient for lasting batteries. Zimbabwe needs to be prepared on the surge of mining entities seeking to mine the resource without bringing value addition and beneficiation in the resourceful country hence the importance of technology transfer. Similarly linked to the electronic mobility is balancing the need for energy generation based on coal mines and job creation for locals.
Wishing Zimbabwean negotiators and the African group of negotiators all the best as COP25 kicks off soon.

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