XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-56 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility World Bank Dept of National Parks and Wildlife Mgmt, Ministry of Env. and Tourism CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Zimbabwe +![cdata[Biodiversity]]+ 1000000.00 1000000.00 1000000.00 1000000.00 1000000.00 0 World Bank Dept of National Parks and Wildlife Mgmt, Ministry of Env. and Tourism 0 World Bank Dept of National Parks and Wildlife Mgmt, Ministry of Env. and Tourism 12919 World Bank Dept of National Parks and Wildlife Mgmt, Ministry of Env. and Tourism 5000000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-374 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility UNDP Ministry of Trasnport and Energy and Department of Energy CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Zimbabwe +![cdata[Biosphere protection]]+ 1400000.00 1400000.00 1400000.00 1400000.00 1400000.00 0 UNDP Ministry of Trasnport and Energy and Department of Energy 7000000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-977 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility UNDP Division of Environment and Tourism, Natural Resources, National Parks, the Forestry Commission and the Biodiversity Office CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Zimbabwe +![cdata[Biodiversity]]+ 324666.67 324666.67 324666.67 0 UNDP Division of Environment and Tourism, Natural Resources, National Parks, the Forestry Commission and the Biodiversity Office 0 UNDP Division of Environment and Tourism, Natural Resources, National Parks, the Forestry Commission and the Biodiversity Office 0 UNDP Division of Environment and Tourism, Natural Resources, National Parks, the Forestry Commission and the Biodiversity Office 0 UNDP Division of Environment and Tourism, Natural Resources, National Parks, the Forestry Commission and the Biodiversity Office 0 UNDP Division of Environment and Tourism, Natural Resources, National Parks, the Forestry Commission and the Biodiversity Office 0 UNDP Division of Environment and Tourism, Natural Resources, National Parks, the Forestry Commission and the Biodiversity Office 0 UNDP Division of Environment and Tourism, Natural Resources, National Parks, the Forestry Commission and the Biodiversity Office 974000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-4645 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility World Bank WWF CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Zimbabwe +![cdata[Environmental policy and administrative management]]+ 1129000.00 1129000.00 1129000.00 1129000.00 1129000.00 0 World Bank WWF 0 World Bank WWF 0 World Bank WWF 3903691 World Bank WWF 1741309 World Bank WWF 5645000 World Bank WWF 0 World Bank WWF 5645000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-9660 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility UNDP Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Hospitality (MTEH) CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Zimbabwe Harare -17.82772 31.05337 +![cdata[Agricultural policy and administrative management]]+ +![cdata[Agricultural development]]+ +![cdata[Biodiversity]]+ 2005192.80 2005192.80 2005192.80 2005192.80 2005192.80 1304262 UNDP Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Hospitality (MTEH) 1286823 UNDP Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Hospitality (MTEH) 1289429 UNDP Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Hospitality (MTEH) 1562244 UNDP Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Hospitality (MTEH) 1871397 UNDP Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Hospitality (MTEH) 8649081 UNDP Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Hospitality (MTEH) 10025964 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-10257 Global Environment Facility To promote the sustainable management of Miombo and Mopane production landscapes in Save and Runde sub-basins following an LDN approach. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Socio-economic benefits5. The project interventions under Components 1 and 2 will contribute to empowering local communities through increasing access to knowledge, supporting clustering into strong organisation, and improving agriculture and forest management practices that increase livelihoods’ resilience. This will enhance communities’ autonomy and adaptive capacity, and give them the opportunity to become agents of change. Furthermore, the gender-sensitive approach adopted throughout the project will contribute to addressing gender inequalities by creating opportunities for women which are often marginalised in rural communities and particularly vulnerable to climate change. Gender balance will be promoted by ensuring that women benefits adequately from the awareness-raising, knowledge-sharing, capacity building and income-generation interventions. 6. The GEF 7 project will contribute to conserving and capitalising on traditional knowledge. Under Component 1, traditional and indigenous knowledge as well as practical knowledge on SLM and SFM will be integrated in the analysis for the identification of effective current practices. These practices will then be promoted through the implementation of the ILUPs under Component 2. Traditional crop species (NUSs) and corresponding agricultural practices will also be promoted where adequate. 7. The diversification of agricultural and forest products under Component 2 will enable better nutrition and health for approximately 15,000 households. Consuming a diverse range of cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, NTFP and animal-source products contributes to improved nutritional outcomes. Furthermore, the biological diversity of resilient agricultural systems will reduce health risks from parasitism[1]. 8. Sustainable agricultural intensification practices will improve the use of natural resources, such as solar radiation, atmospheric carbon and nitrogen. In addition, in these improved production systems, the recycling of nutrients, biomass and water will be increased as well as resource use efficiency, and wastes will be reduced. As a result, agricultural production will be sustainably increased[2],[3]. 9. A basket of resilient farm- and forest-based income sources and markets will be strengthened under the GEF 7 project. The diversification of income sources from diverse products and local food processing by 15,000 land-users including 7,800 women and 7,200 men will contribute to stabilising household income for approximately 67,500 individuals. In addition, diversified income sources will increase the resilience of forest, farm and rangeland users to climate and environmental risks. The failure of a crop, forest or livestock species will have lower impact on the households income which will be more economically resilient. 10. By enhancing biological processes and recycling biomass, nutrients and water, producers will be able to use fewer external resources, thereby reducing costs. As an example, biological nitrogen fixation by legumes in intercropping and rotation systems can enable a major reduction in the need for synthetic fertilizers[4]. The establishment of CSB network will further reduce dependency on external support, and costs of agricultural input, and increase producers autonomy. 11. The implementation of SLM and SFM requires skilled labour. 100 Master trainers and 600 facilitators will be trained through the FFS/APFS approach and transfer their skills to FFSs/APFSs members. This will sustainably strengthen the skill set of farm, forest and rangeland users thereby contributing to increasing opportunities for employment. In addition, the development of climate-resilient Value Chains under Component 2 will lead to job creation across the chain from the producers, to the processors, the retailers and the traders. This is particularly true for youth which will be able to acquire new skills according to emerging needs in sustainable nature-based markets. 12. Approximately 60 government representatives (including 52% of women) from the central to the local level will receive training on LDN and cross-sectoral coordination under Output 1.1.1 and 1.1.2. These institutions will therefore be able to replicate cross-sectoral planning processes in other sub-basins. In addition, approximately 20 non-government staff from partner organizations and CSO and 30 government staff (including 52% of women) will receive training to become trainers on LD assessment, integrated land-use planning and LDN monitoring under Output 1.1.3. It is expected to reach a far larger number of trainees through the training-of-trainer approach. This will provide sufficient capacity to enable the maintenance of LDN monitoring interventions beyond the project lifespan and generate required evidence-based knowledge for informed decision making and planning for sustainable development. Environmental benefits13. The implementation of SLM and SFM interventions over 172,540 ha and the restoration of 2,150 ha of degraded forest and mixed landscape areas in the Miombo and Mopane woodlands of the targeted sub-basins will significantly contribute to the conservation of natural habitat and biodiversity. The project will result in: increased above and below ground biodiversity including in the buffer zones of protected areas, and increased ecosystems’ resilience to climate change. It will also directly support the conservation of threatened tree species in collaboration with the Forestry Commission. In addition, the wildlife corridors will be mapped and strengthened to support eocsystems connectivity and reduce human wildlife conflicts. Wildlife conservation will be further supported through the development of the management plan for the Chimanimani National Park and through improved collaboration with Mozambique for the sustainable management of the Chimanimani TFCA. The restoration of ecosystem functioning and increased biodiversity resulting from the project interventions will lead to increased provision of ecosystems good and services such as the provision of NTFPs, soil productivity and availabilty of water resources. The SLM and SFM interventions will contribute to increasing tree cover and will enable the storage of 1,267,525 tCO2 eq thereby contributing to climate change mitigation. The LDN approach to be demonstrated in the two sub-basins will enable to have no net degradation of land resources in the targeted area, and beyond through supporting outscaling and upscaling of the approach and interventions in other sub-basins, and at the national, regional and global levels. Increased economic value of natural resources through Value Chains development under Outputs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 will encourage these environmental benefits to be sustained. Benefits related to the current situation with COVID-1914. The DSL project provides a critical opportunity to support vulnerable dryland communities in building a livelihood foundation that not only enhances climate resilience but also provides a response and recovery plan to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be done through the establishment and strengthening of key sustainable dryland commodity Value Chains. For example, under Outputs 2.1 and 2.2, livelihoods resilience and diversification will be supported through improved management of crop, forest and rangeland resources and through the strengthening of crop, NTFPs and small livestock Value Chains to support increased and more reliable income for vulnerable households. The criteria for prioritising the livelihood interventions will include the impact of COVID-19 on local communities. Increased production of local input (e.g. seeds, seedlings, indigenous breeds) will increase economic reliance in rural areas and reduce their vulnerability to national market restrictions. Furthermore, the project will provide support to facilitate community-level access to social protection mechanisms and other supporting programmes from the government, donors, private sector organisations and NGOs that are currently being designed and implemented. 15. The project will directly and indirectly support communities so that they continue to undertake preventive behavior to stop COVID-19 infection and spread. This will include:· supporting the project staff/consultants in observing recommended practices – such as social distancing, not organizing in-person meetings or big gatherings if recommended; minimizing travel between sites, wearing masks and use of sanitizers; and· encouraging project staff and consultants in promoting government and international best practice behaviours at the local level through direct communication, and dissemination of government information and communication products. 16. The project will apply FAO’s guidelines on how to implement FFS in times of COVID-19: http://www.fao.org/3/ca9064en/ca9064en.pdf 17. Moreover, in order to support efficient monitoring and dissemination of knowledge during COVID 19, the GCP will be leveraging the efforts of the FAO South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division in promoting a systematic learning approach to document and disseminate knowledge resources through the initiative called "Making every voice count for adaptive management". The initiative proposed the KM strategy based on the knowledge management cycle. It uses a variety of communication tools, focusing on a participatory video approach as an interactive platform that supports networking and knowledge generation, and in later stages documenting and disseminating knowledge assets and lessons learned – especially those identified by the local communities and stakeholders at landscape level. The baseline documentation was produced in the form of participatory videos and the GCP will be selecting the practical knowledge and challenges to be discussed at the regional and global level. It will also contribute, at a later stage, to disseminate these practices through different networks, including the COFO Working Group on Dryland Forests and Agrosilvopastoral Systems. The goal is to create a bridge between other teams and initiatives and work beyond the 11 countries involved in this program. Key activities will include:· Development of a contextualized good practices and lessons learned methodology aiming to harmonize the knowledge management efforts across all child projects as well as linking country efforts to the regional and global level through the GCP.· Deployment of innovative spatial data assessment tools to support partners in monitoring and co-production of knowledge with local stakeholders;· A stocktaking of existing knowledge products (including tools and approaches) supporting integrated management of dryland landscapes and seascapes, including related best practices;· Development and testing of a web-based platform on integrated approaches to dryland landscape management and restoration, best practices, guidelines, tools, and methodologies to support program implementation and host new innovations and experience emerging from the Program (this will be subject to consultative assessments of how such a platform might complement other, existing platforms, as against the alternative of enriching and enhancing such platforms, and strategies for ensuring the post-project sustainability of platforms) including the UN DECADE for Ecosystem Restoration Platform on good practices;· Preparation of strategic communication policy briefs for senior managers and decision makers on Program implementation;· Highlighting of the work of the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Program within key communities of practice, such as the Global Landscapes Forum;· Facilitation of interactive learning events, including the sharing of results and lessons learned, for example at UNCCD CRICs and COPs.Please see GCP for further details.[1] FAO, 2018. The 10 Elements of Agroecology : Guiding the transition to sustainable food and agricultural systems.[2] University of Essex, 2001. Reducing food poverty with sustainable agriculture : A summary of new evidence.[3] Levard L (Gret), Mathieu B (AVSF), 2018. Agroécologie : capitalisation d’expériences en Afrique de l’Ouest. 82pp.[4] FAO, 2016. Soils and Pulses: Symbiosis for life. Rome. Global Environment Facility FAO EMA CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date ' Zimbabwe +![cdata[Biodiversity]]+ +![cdata[Site preservation]]+ 2086789.00 2086789.00 2086789.00 2086789.00 2086789.00 1517401 FAO EMA 4084081 FAO EMA 2794460 FAO EMA 10433945 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-10429 Global Environment Facility To assist Zimbabwe to comply with the requirements of the Enhanced Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.National MRV systems that support climate mitigation and adaptation can provide primary and secondary socioeconomic benefits. Primarily with the creation of sustainable employment opportunities at a local level through the commitment to strengthen institutional memory and standardize processes. Secondary benefits of increased transparency for climate change reporting can be far reaching. Improved mitigation and adaptation monitoring and reporting can ensure that co-benefits are focused and prioritized. Enhanced coordination between government ministries, private sector, civil society, academia and communities ensures that socioeconomic benefits are brought into focus. This can include responsive energy planning, reducing reliance on energy imports and freeing government resources, mitigating conflicts over scarce resources, improving the national and local economies, improving the health and wellbeing of the population and empowering communities and citizens. The activities in Output 1.5 notably will inform and guide the formulation of cost-effective policies in the areas of GHG mitigation and climate change adaptation in relation to the implementation of the NDC. These initiatives will be in line with the obligations under the UNFCCC, national sustainable development needs and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 13 to combat climate change and its impacts. CBIT will support and address gaps in integrating climate adaptation information in the decision-making processes by strengthening the institutional arrangements for prioritizing and addressing impacts of adaptation action, enhancing Zimbabwe’s capacity to implement adaptation actions, enabling the costing of adaptation measures and development of adaptation indicators as well enhancing stakeholders’ engagement on adaptation actions. The project is also associated with global benefits through capacity development mainly in the areas of GHG inventories and emission reductions. In the absence of this project, there will be an uncoordinated approach in data collection and analysis, which will prevent effective implementation of the NDC.Global Environment Facility UNEP Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Zimbabwe Harare, Zimbabwe -17.82772 31.05337 +![cdata[Environmental policy and administrative management]]+ 403333.33 403333.33 403333.33 405000 UNEP Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry 525000 UNEP Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry 224781 UNEP Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry 1137490 UNEP Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry 1210000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-10966 Global Environment Facility Project Objective: To promote a Wildlife Economy approach that benefits people and strengthens wildlife management in the CAMPFIRE areas in Tsholotsho District. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.10. Benefits. The Tsholotsho local community will benefit from the project. This project will enhance the capacity for implementation of sustainable wildlife economy and biodiversity conservation in Tsholotsho. A wholly community owned Eco-lodge will be developed. The tourism component of all CAMPFIRE zones is leased to the commercial sector, which then pays taxes and royalties to the RDCs. In accordance with CAMPFIRE regulations, these RDCs will provide dividends to the communities. Therefore, the establishment of a community camp or ecolodge that would be entirely run by the local community offers them an opportunity to fully harness the benefits of the camp while also developing management skills. The Tsholotsho area is very dry area where communities struggle to acquire drinking water and often compete for the limited water resources with wildlife consequently resulting in HWC. The project will conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, the RDC, and ZPWMA to propose nature-based solutions for reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict and promoting coexistence. The park shares a 240 km boundary with Tsholotsho communal areas and there are no access gates for tourists from this end. Thus, people from this area have to drive an average of 150 km to the nearest gate. This reduces access to the park to these local communities and possibly access to the park for other potential tourists. Opening the Ngamo gate to tourists would increase revenue through local tourism and access to international tourists. By strengthening Tsholotsho’s strategies, mechanisms, and institutions for wildlife economy that maybe upscaled at the national level, significant biodiversity and landscapes will be protected, combating wildlife crime, reducing human-wildlife conflict and livelihoods strengthened. Moreover, the strengthening of wildlife economy will contribute to the development of social inclusion and gender equality, foster clear and transparent provisions and strengthen the capacity for local communities to benefit from their wildlife thereby generating opportunities. Further benefits will accrue through replication of the approaches used at the project sites to other sites in the country. The approach used in the project as a whole will also provide lessons and opportunities for replication in other countries in Africa.Global Environment Facility UNEP Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date ' Zimbabwe 149402.00 149402.00 149402.00 89641 UNEP Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry 448206 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-11048 Global Environment Facility To improve the artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) sector in Zimbabwe through increased formalization, access to finance and markets, introduction to mercury free technologies and management of knowledge Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.The project's socio economic benefits are described in Section B (Project Description) and are embeded in the project's ToC diagram that will guide the project's intervetion during the implementation phase. In addition, progress indicators are described in Appendix 3 Logical Framework to ensure that there will be adequate monitoring and reporting at MTR and TER.Global Environment Facility UNEP IMPACT CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date ' Zimbabwe Shurugwi District -19.671300 29.998750 Shamva District -17.305680 31.556490 Zvishavane District -20.31076 30.06029 Mazowe District -17.506510 30.972280 Kadoma District -18.336330 29.913880 Gwanda District -20.941630 29.007480 Filabusi District -20.537270 29.282370 Esigodini District -20.291840 28.93760 Chegutu District -18.134120 30.145820 Bubi District -19.528020 28.659060 Bindura District -17.306749 31.331560 5000000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-11083 Global Environment Facility Accelerating the introduction of electric mobility in Zimbabwe with a focus on reducing GHG emissions, improving air quality and the environmentally sound management of EV waste. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.The adoption of EVs in Zimbabwe offers significant socio-economic benefits. It will contribute to reducing air pollution, leading to improved public health by decreasing respiratory/other diseases associated with emissions from ICE vehicles. This reduction in healthcare costs can relieve financial pressure on both individuals and the national health system. Economically, the shift to EVs can decrease the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels, improving energy security and reducing expenditure on fuel imports. The growth of the EV sector can create new job opportunities in manufacturing, maintenance, and the development of charging infrastructure, promoting local skill development and economic growth. Furthermore, the promotion of EVs aligns with global sustainability goals, potentially attracting international investment and support for green initiatives.Global Environment Facility UNEP Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development (MTID) of Zimbabwe CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date ' Zimbabwe Harare, Zimbabwe -17.824858 31.053028 2000000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-11344 Global Environment Facility Improved community and ecosystem resilience to stresses and shocks caused by rapid urbanization and climate change through the sustainable management of urban and peri-urban wetlands, forests, waste and agrifood systems Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Socio-economic Benefits and Decent Rural EmploymentBy protecting critical environmental areas and in particular wetlands the project reduces vulnerable communities’ exposure to climate hazards and thus improving living conditions, food security, and economic opportunities, particularly for women and marginalized groups engaged in small-scale agriculture and market waste value chains.A key focus will be on strengthening SMEs, particularly women-led enterprises, by improving access to finance, capacity-building, and leadership roles in sustainable food production, processing, and circular economy initiatives. The project will also stimulate indirectly green job creation, both in NBS design implementation including wetland restoration, reforestation, and agroforestry.Through the formalization and strengthening of market waste management services, the project aims to ensure better working conditions and economic security for informal waste workers.Additionally, the project will unlock new market opportunities through eco-tourism development, leveraging the protection and valorization of Monavale Ramsar Site in Harare and the Hillside Wetland Area in Bulawayo. By positioning these sites as low-impact nature-based tourism destinations, the project will generate sustainable revenue streams, fostering long-term conservation financing and enhancing the economic resilience of local communities.The project’s socio-economic benefits, including livelihood diversification, green job creation, and circular economy integration, directly support Global Environmental Benefits (GEBs) and climate adaptation goals (LDCF/SCCF). By reducing economic pressure on fragile ecosystems, it mitigates deforestation, wetland encroachment, and unmanaged waste disposal. Food waste valorization lower GHG emissions, while eco-tourism and SME support promote nature-positive enterprises. Strengthening women-led businesses and urban agriculture enhances climate resilience, ensuring sustainable resource use and long-term ecosystem protection, aligning economic incentives with biodiversity conservation and urban climate adaptation. The project aligns with FAO's commitment to promoting Decent Rural Employment (DRE) by addressing the four pillars of decent work:· Pillar 1 Employment Creation and Enterprise Development: By supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by women, in sectors such as small-scale agricultural production and circular economy practices, the project fosters entrepreneurship and income-generating opportunities in rural areas.· Pillar 2 Social Protection: Through capacity-building initiatives, the project aims to enhance the resilience of informal workers by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to secure their livelihoods and protect themselves against economic vulnerabilities.· Pillar 3 Standards and Rights at Work: The project emphasizes the importance of fair labor practices, ensuring that workers in the targeted sectors operate under conditions that respect their rights and promote equality · Pillar 4 Governance and Social Dialogue: By engaging various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and professional organizations, the project promotes participatory decision-making processes, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard and considered in policy and program development.Stakeholder engagement The success of this project hinges on the active involvement and collaboration of key stakeholders, who will play pivotal roles in achieving the project’s objectives while ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is the lead regulatory authority responsible for environmental protection, land-use enforcement, and pollution control in Zimbabwe. EMA plays a crucial role in ensuring that environmental laws and policies are upheld, particularly in sensitive urban areas where wetland degradation and deforestation threaten biodiversity and water security. The agency has been at the forefront of wetland conservation efforts, conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for key sites such as Monavale and Budiriro Wetlands, where rapid urbanization has led to encroachment and ecological degradation. EMA’s ongoing wetland mapping initiative will inform land-use planning in Harare and Bulawayo, ensuring that ecological sensitivity is factored into urban expansion. Additionally, the Agency’s experience in community engagement and environmental education will support awareness-raising initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable waste management, afforestation, and circular economy models. The City Council of Harare (CoH).is a key stakeholder in urban planning, waste management, market regulation, and environmental sustainability. Through its Urban Planning Department, CoH oversees the Harare Master Plan, guiding land-use and development. A significant ongoing effort is the Monavale Vlei Biodiversity Project, which CoH supports alongside BirdLife Zimbabwe and the Conservation Society of Monavale (COSMO). This initiative restores the Monavale Vlei wetland, a Ramsar Site, by removing invasive species, planting indigenous trees, and promoting biodiversity. It serves as a model for integrating nature-based solutions into urban land-use planning, addressing both conservation and community needs. The Public Hygiene Department, responsible for waste collection and disposal, tackles Harare’s mounting waste management challenges. Rapid urbanization and informal settlements have increased pollution and environmental degradation. Building on its mandate and existing initiatives, the City of Harare will be actively engaged in the U-RISE project through the co-development of the Climate Action Plan, contributing operatively to the elaboration of ISWM, the design and implementation of the Local Area Development Plan for Monavale-Budiriro, and demonstrate activities on waste management and circular food systems in Hatcliffe Market. The City Council of Bulawayo (CoB) plays a key role in urban resilience and sustainability, focusing on land-use planning, public health, and green infrastructure development. The Urban Planning Department oversees the Bulawayo Master Plan (2019–2034), which steers sustainable development and promotes climate adaptation efforts. The City of Bulawayo (CoB) actively engages in various projects focused on conserving green and blue ecosystems. Notable initiatives include the restoration of Hillside Dams, a critical water source and biodiversity hub, and the Green Lung Initiative, developed in collaboration with the Forestry Commission to enhance urban afforestation, mitigate heat stress, and strengthen biodiversity across the city. In addition to environmental conservation, CoB manages waste and supports food security efforts. A key initiative is the Nutritional Garden Program, which promotes urban agriculture to assist vulnerable communities. This program integrates sustainable water management strategies to enhance climate-resilient food production, addressing the challenges of Bulawayo’s semi-arid conditions. Building on these mandates, the City of Bulawayo will play a central role in the U-RISE project through the review and alignment of the Hillside Local Area Development Plan with climate objectives, implementation of afforestation and wetland regeneration actions, contributing operatively to the elaboration of ISWM and demonstrating circular economy models in the Nkulumane Market and Nutritional Gardens. The Forestry Commission (FC) is Zimbabwe’s leading authority on forest conservation, afforestation, and sustainable land management. It plays a key role in urban greening, agroforestry development, and land rehabilitation across the country. In cities like Harare and Bulawayo, FC supports tree-planting initiatives and provides seedlings for community and municipal efforts to enhance urban green spaces.The FC works focus on integrating agroforestry into land-use strategies, particularly in areas affected by environmental degradation. In Bulawayo FC collaborates with local authorities to address challenges like illegal sand mining and firewood harvesting, which have impacted suburbs such as Luveve and Cowdray Park. Through land reclamation and soil conservation practices, FC improves soil health and supports carbon sequestration, contributing to both urban and rural sustainability. The Forestry Commission will lead technical support for afforestation and agroforestry interventions in degraded areas, including the Green Lung Corridor in Bulawayo and Marimba River in Harare. It will also co-develop restoration plans, provide seedlings through community nurseries, and support capacity building in nature-based landscape management. As a leading conservation NGO, BirdLife Zimbabwe specializes in biodiversity protection, habitat conservation, and community-led efforts. The organization actively monitors avian biodiversity and protects key wetland ecosystems, including Monavale Vlei, which hosts over 240 bird species and supports Harare’s water system by filtering and recharging groundwater. BirdLife Zimbabwe will contribute its ecological expertise to the restoration of the Monavale-Budiriro wetland system. It will support biodiversity monitoring, the design of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), and community awareness programs. BirdLife will also provide technical input on avifaunal conservation and assist with stakeholder engagement and environmental education. In addition, the organization will promote eco-tourism and educational activities around the Monavale Ramsar site, enhancing public appreciation of wetland biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. The Conservation Society of Monavale (COSMO) is a community-based organization dedicated to wetland conservation and restoration. Since 2005, COSMO has been at the forefront of protecting Monavale Vlei, a Ramsar Site in Harare, through wetland rehabilitation projects, community outreach programs, and ecosystem monitoring initiatives. Its efforts have restored the vlei to near-pristine condition, removing invasive species, recording over 266 bird species, and engaging local residents and schools in conservation. COSMO collaborates with partners like BirdLife Zimbabwe to advocate for ecological best practices and influence municipal planning, with potential to expand its successful interventions to other wetlands in the region. COSMO and Birdlife Zimbabwe might support Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) implementation, expand its conservation model to other wetlands, and lead local awareness-raising and environmental education activities. The organization will also promote eco-tourism and school-based learning initiatives, linking wetland protection with sustainable development and community engagement. UN-Habitat has been active in Zimbabwe supporting sustainable urbanization, resilience building, and inclusive planning. The agency has contributed to post-disaster recovery, slum upgrading, and the development of pro-poor policies, while promoting participatory planning and sustainable infrastructure development in cities such as Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare. In the U-RISE project, UN-Habitat will provide technical advisory services for the development of Climate Action Plans (CAPs) in Harare and Bulawayo, using the City Resilience Profiling Tool (CRPT) under the City Resilience Global Programme (CRGP). UN-Habitat might also support the integration of resilience thinking into Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) planning, ensuring both components align with international standards and evidence-based methodologies.Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ): is the national umbrella body representing all urban local authorities in Zimbabwe. It plays a central role in promoting policy dialogue, capacity development, and peer-to-peer learning across municipalities. UCAZ can offer strong institutional support for Component 3 by facilitating the dissemination of best practices and lessons learned among local authorities, organizing knowledge-sharing events, and supporting the mainstreaming of project innovations into local government frameworks. Municipal Engineers of Southern Africa (MESA) is a regional professional network that supports collaboration and knowledge exchange among municipal engineers across Southern Africa. It provides a technical forum for the exchange of infrastructure-related innovations. MESA could be a key actor in disseminating best practices in terms of climate-resilient urban design, nature-based solutions, and sustainable engineering practices. The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) and the Zimbabwe Institute of Regional and Urban Planners (ZIRUP) are leading professional bodies supporting the advancement of engineering and urban planning practices in Zimbabwe. ZIE represents multidisciplinary engineers and promotes technical excellence, while ZIRUP brings together urban and regional planners to foster sustainable planning and spatial development. Both institutions play a vital role in professional development, standards setting, and public policy advocacy. Their engagement will enhance knowledge management and capacity-building through structured training, peer-learning workshops, and technical inputs. Vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and informal workers, will be prioritized as both beneficiaries and active participants in the project. Targeted capacity-building programs will equip them with the skills, tools, and opportunities needed to enhance economic inclusion and resilience. In Bulawayo, interventions at Nutrition Gardens will focus on registered land beneficiaries engaged in urban agriculture. These efforts will improve the efficiency and productivity of allotments through agroforestry practices while strengthening linkages with the city's fresh produce markets, ensuring greater market access, sustainability, and economic benefits for vulnerable communities. Private sector involvementThe private sector will play a critical role in driving innovation, scaling sustainable practices, and transforming the economic systems needed to address the key drivers of environmental degradation in Harare and Bulawayo. The project will strategically engage private sector actors, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), market authorities, and circular economy businesses, to foster solutions that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. A key aspect of private sector engagement will be the development of Business Cases to demonstrate the viability and profitability of market-driven Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) (Activities 2.1.2.1, 2.1.2.2, 2.2.2.1, 2.2.3.3), This will include the adoption of performance-based payment models for land regeneration initiatives to be implemented in Harare and Bulawayo. By formulating these models, the project will establish best practices to mainstream sustainable financing approaches, fostering greater private sector participation in ecosystem restoration and urban resilience efforts. A key avenue for private sector engagement will be in advancing circular economy solutions that drive resource efficiency, market (organic and plastic packaging) waste reduction, and sustainable urban systems. Through targeted mentorship and financial support mechanisms (Activities 2.1.4.3, 2.2.4.3), the project will formalize and strengthen SMEs and informal enterprises, enabling them to scale up operations in food waste recovery, organic waste valorization, plastic packaging reuse or recycling and sustainable value chain development. By integrating these enterprises into climate-smart urban agrifood systems, the project will mitigate methane emissions, reduce landfill pressures, and foster green job creation, enhancing economic resilience and social inclusion in local communities.Market authorities, particularly in 56major fresh-produce hubs such as Hatcliffe Market in Harare and Nkulumane Market in Bulawayo, will be engaged to enhance operational efficiency and integrate sustainable infrastructure solutions. The development of spatial masterplans and technical support for market waste management systems will position markets as models of sustainability, while targeted interventions (Activities 2.1.4.1, 2.2.4.1, 2.2.4.2) will improve market waste management efficiency and circular economy integration. The introduction of digital tools to optimize supply-demand linkages will reduce food loss, improve produce quality, and enhance market resilience. Additionally, infrastructure upgrades will improve hygiene standards, enhance vendors working conditions, and attract a larger user base, reinforcing markets as critical nodes for inclusive and sustainable urban agrifood systems.Additionally, the project will actively engage private sector partners in technological innovation and knowledge-sharing. Businesses with expertise in GIS mapping, climate-resilient infrastructure, and green technologies will provide technical support to city councils and community stakeholders (Activities 1.1.2.2, 1.2.2.2.2, 3.1.1.1). The private sector partners will include, but not limited to, CABS Bank and the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ), and they will drive renewable energy interventions that enhance urban sustainability in Harare and Bulawayo. Additionally, the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) will facilitate enterprise development and capacity building, while Stimulus Africa will support green incubator programs and bolster SMEs to advance circular economy initiatives and green job creation. Collaboration with universities and private developers will ensure that sustainable solutions are integrated into urban planning and market operations. Innovation and transformative changeThe project introduces a practical shift by focusing on an agri-food system approach to integrated urban and peri-urban planning in Harare and Bulawayo. In peri-urban areas, it focuses on wetlands regeneration to restore green and blue ecosystem services and endemic biodiversity in areas where wetlands have been encroached upon by housing. This involves restoring wetlands and relocating people to safe housing with circular agriculture production systems. This approach aims to prevent harm to the population living in flood- and erosion-prone areas. In urban areas, the project includes Climate Action Plans (CAPs) and Local Action Plans (LAPs) to strengthen governance and financing for Nature-based Solutions. It also involves the regeneration of urban green corridors to reduce climate impacts, restore biodiversity, and improve urban livability. Improved management of market level waste (Integrated Solid Waste Management - ISWM), combined with the creation of jobs in a circular bioeconomy, aims to foster resource use efficiency. A key part of the project’s strategy is this “metabolism” approach to integrated urban and peri-urban planning, treating the city as a living system. This helps the cities improve the efficient management of resources and reduces pressure on the environment, support jobs, and help communities become more resilient to climate risks. Integral to the urban and peri-urban agrifood systems approach is the use of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)—like restoring wetlands or planting trees—to manage floods, clean water, and improve urban spaces. These solutions are supported by business cases that explore how to fund them. The goal is to attract investment through models like Public-Private Partnerships and results-based payments. These approaches help ensure that natural resources are not only protected but also bring value to communities and their budgets. Scalability is built into the project. Initiatives like the Monavale-Budiriro wetland restoration, Hillside lowland regeneration, and circular economy pilots are designed so they can be adapted in other parts of Zimbabwe and the Southern African region. Each one aims to show how changes on the ground can improve urban agrifood systems and resource management. Additionally, partnerships with networks like ICLEI, Cities Alliance, and C40 Cities will help share these experiences and ensure that lessons from Harare and Bulawayo support broader improvements in other cities facing similar challenges. Knowledge ManagementThe project takes a dual approach to knowledge management, integrating both existing best practices and generating new insights to drive urban sustainability. Knowledge will be systematically captured, stored, and shared through:Digital Platforms: The project will operationalize two interactive platforms—one linked to the City Resilience Global Programme (CGRP) for climate risk assessment and the other to the waste indicator system inspired to Waste Aware Benchmark Indicator methodology. These platforms will provide real-time data, facilitate scenario modeling, and support evidence-based decision-making for local authorities and stakeholders.Demonstration Sites and Demonstration Projects: Hands-on learning through the implementation of NBS in Monavale-Budiriro and Hillside wetlands, agroforestry in urban gardens, and circular economy pilots in fresh produce markets will create living laboratories for urban sustainability.Regional and Global Knowledge Exchange: The project will connect Zimbabwean cities with regional international networks through structured peer-to-peer learning exchanges, study tours, and regional dialogues. Capacity Building Programs: Targeted training sessions for municipal staff, policymakers, private sector actors, and community organizations will ensure that new knowledge is institutionalized and applied in urban planning and ecosystem management practices.FAO and EMA will ensure that the Child Project allocates adequate resources to support knowledge management and engagement with the Sustainable Cities Global Platform. This will integrate Zimbabwe’s urban sustainability efforts into a broader global network, fostering peer learning, knowledge exchange, and best practice dissemination. Through active participation in meetings, workshops, training sessions, and technical working groups, the project will contribute to shaping global dialogues on climate-resilient urban development while benefiting from cutting-edge innovations and policy recommendations. Reciprocal engagement will ensure that Zimbabwe’s experiences inform global discussions, reinforcing the country’s role in urban sustainability frameworks.A key component of the project’s knowledge-sharing strategy is its collaboration with the Global Coordination Project (GCP) and key partners to document and disseminate lessons learned. The project will contribute to global and national events, publications, and best practice repositories, ensuring its achievements in climate-responsive urban planning, nature-based solutions (NBS), and circular economy models serve as reference points for other cities facing similar challenges. It will also test and validate innovative practices recommended by the Global Platform, allowing for localized adaptation and scaling of effective climate resilience solutions.The project will play a key role in joint Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) efforts, systematically assessing progress and aligning with broader SCIP objectives. Collaboration with other SCIP Child Projects will foster structured dialogues, adaptive learning processes, and partnerships within the SCIP framework. Regional collaboration will be strengthened through engagement with ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability), the Urban Council Association of Zimbabwe, and the Municipal Engineers of Southern Africa, facilitating cross-learning, exchange visits, and structured dialogues to align Zimbabwe’s urban strategies with continental and global objectives.The project will leverage existing knowledge and best practices in wetland and forest management, particularly EMA’s expertise in ecosystem conservation and regulatory enforcement. It will collaborate with research institutions, government agencies, local trusts, community-based organizations, and professional associations, ensuring sectoral expertise informs transformative interventions. Beyond integrating existing approaches, the project will generate new knowledge through research and innovation, particularly in climate-positive urban planning, NBS, and circular economy models. Recognizing the potential of market waste management as an economic opportunity, the project will promote circular economy business models that enhance resource efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.To ensure transparency and accessibility, the project will establish digital platforms for data sharing and decision-making. The City Resilience Global Programme (CGRP) platform will serve as a climate risk assessment tool, equipping local authorities and urban professionals with data-driven planning capabilities. The Waste Indicator platform will provide real-time monitoring and evaluation of organic and plastic packaging waste management systems, supporting evidence-based improvements and adaptive planning.Through demonstration sites and demonstrate interventions, the project will refine methodologies, develop scalable nature-positive solutions, and address key environmental and socio-economic challenges. Investments will enhance NBS services and advance circular economy initiatives, ensuring urban resilience efforts contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and inclusive green growth. Policy CoherenceAs highlighted in the STAP-GEF Policy Brief on Framing Policy Coherence, achieving transformational change requires dismantling sectoral silos and fostering cross-sectoral coordination. The project will play a central role in enhancing policy coherence by aligning climate, environmental, and urban development agendas across national and municipal governance structures.Zimbabwe’s current policy framework includes several sectoral strategies and laws, but key gaps persist in addressing urban environmental concerns. For instance, the Forest Act [Chapter 19:05] of 1996 reflects a focus on rural and peri-urban forests, with no specific provisions for urban forestry. Similarly, waste management policies and bylaws are often outdated and fragmented, limiting their effectiveness in guiding sustainable urban practices. The project will therefore support the review, update, and alignment of national legislation, municipal bylaws, and urban policies to ensure they reflect current priorities on climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, circular economy, and urban forestry.Through its interventions, the project will contribute to: The participatory revision of Spatial Masterplans and Local Area Development Plans in Harare and Bulawayo to incorporate environmental risks, ecosystem services, and urban biodiversity, ensuring that urban development is both climate-responsive and ecologically sound. The development of Climate Action Plans that provide a structured framework for integrating adaptation and mitigation priorities into urban governance, aligning with Zimbabwe’s National Climate Policy, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the Revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The institutionalization of Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) Plans, which will offer a coherent and actionable policy framework to reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and promote private sector participation in circular economy initiatives. The review and modernization of outdated bylaws in Harare and Bulawayo, particularly those no longer aligned with current urban realities. Special attention will be given to provisions affecting the informal sector, environmental enforcement, and the integration of inclusive urban agriculture. The formulation of an Agriculture Policy for the City of Harare, addressing food transformation, storage, and emissions reduction linked to local production, while assessing its contribution to green job creation and urban resilience. In parallel, the project will provide structured support to municipal institutions and regulatory bodies—including the City Councils of Harare and Bulawayo, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and local waste management authorities. This will include: Targeted training and institutional capacity development to enhance their ability to enforce environmental policies, monitor urban sustainability indicators, and integrate climate adaptation into local planning processes. The establishment or reinforcement of dedicated units within CoH, CoB, and EMA to ensure continuity in climate governance, data management, and strategic planning. Capacity DevelopmentMunicipal institutions and regulatory bodies will receive structured support to enhance their ability to enforce environmental policies, monitor urban sustainability indicators, and integrate climate adaptation into planning processes. This includes the strengthening of city councils, EMA, and waste management authorities through targeted training programs. The establishment of dedicated institutional structures within CoH, CoB, and EMA will ensure continuity in climate governance, data management, and strategic planning.Training will be provided on climate risk assessment, data-driven urban planning, and nature-based solutions (NBS) implementation. These programs will enhance the skills of urban planners, engineers, environmental officers, and policymakers, ensuring they are equipped to drive evidence-based decision-making. The use of geospatial tools, scenario modeling techniques, and financial modeling for NBS investments will be promoted, ensuring that project beneficiaries can apply appropriate tools in urban sustainability management.  FORMTEXT FFFFFFFF0000000014000800450041005F0047006F0061006C0073000000000000000D004600490052005300540020004300410050004900540041004C00000000000000000000000000000000000000 The project will actively engage and mentor informal workers, waste pickers, and small-scale entrepreneurs in circular economy enterprises, composting, and sustainable resource management, providing them with the skills and resources to formalize and scale their businesses. Women and youth-led SMEs will be prioritized in waste valorization, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture, fostering inclusive economic development and ensuring that vulnerable groups are key beneficiaries of the project’s interventions.Global Environment Facility FAO Ministry of Environment Climate and Wildlife CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date ' Zimbabwe Luveve Agro-forestry plots -20.0748 28.4575 3519724 GEF