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SOETZIM
ISSUE NUMBER 3
Our Environment Our Concern
The country relies on a car-
Zimbabwe live below the
bon intensive model to gen-
poverty datum line and solar
erate electricity for both the
equipment is largely expen-
industrial and household
sive and not accessible to
sectors and the introduction
most households leaving
of residential and commer-
them resorting to unsustain-
cial solar photovoltaic (PV)
able means like deforesta-
systems could see new off-
tion which hinder all mitiga-
grid systems emerge, helping
tion efforts.
Zimbabwe to alleviate the
Households mainly in high density suburbs have resorted to the use of solar energy mainly because the main power stations in Zimbabwe have failed to adequately supply the whole country with energy. Some households have resorted to the use of generators which use diesel and this is not help in the mitigations effort against the use of fossil fuels. On average at least more that 65% of households in Zimbabwe use gas stoves for cooking. This has proved to be reliable and efficient, with the use of gas stoves there has been a notable decrease in deforestation especially in urban areas. Natural gas or any fuel derived from bio-
pressure of load shedding and over reliance on coal which is a high carbon emitter. This would enable the
struggling population to gain back control of their own electricity whilst promoting sustainable development, ensuring a reliable supply of energy is consistently availa-
ble throughout the country (segensolar 2020). The main problem that lies within the use of solar in Zimbabwean households is that families in
August 2021
mass emits 50% less of carbon dioxide compared to coal
Mitigation options in the energy sector. Perceptions of the urban population on the adop tion of clean en ergy as an alternative at househ old level.
Inside this issue:
Inside Story
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Elimination of the African lion
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Staff achievements
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Effects of disposable masks
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Poetry Corner
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Cover Story
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Otter Space
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Slow elimination of the African Lion
Article by Liandra S. Ganyiwa The Hwange National Park, being a key component of the Kavango- Zambezi Trans frontier Conservation area, is home to quite a number of animal species with its natural and undisturbed area acting as a habitat to all wildlife found there. Examples of species found in the protected area include elephants, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, the African Lion only to mention a few. In this article focus will be put on the African Lion, popularly known as the “King of the Jungle”. Africa south of the Sahara. Lions prey on a large variety of animals ranging in size from rodents and baboons to Cape (or African) buffalo and hippopotamuses, but they predominantly hunt medium- to large-sized hoofed animals such as wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes. Prey preferences vary geographically as well as between neighbour prides. Lions are known to take elephants and giraffes, but only if the individual is young or especially sick. However on a sad note, lions’ survival in the jungle has been threatened by a number of factors which have resulted in the reduction in their populations worldwide. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that fewer than 25,000 lions remain in Africa, meaning they are vulnerable to extinction. Their survival is threatened by poaching, loss of natural habitats resulting from increasing population sizes and urbanization, introduction of mining activities to the protected areas, changes in climate patterns, loss of prey in the species range since their prey is now highly on demand by hunters for bush-meat trade, trophy hunting, manifestation of diseases and lastly these precious animal get killed by closer communities in a bid to protect their livestock. A greater percentage of the threats are closely linked to their interaction with humans, which is popularly known as human and wildlife conflict. If no action is done pertaining to the above mentioned threats, extinction of the endangered species will be ultimate result
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ISSUE NUMBER 3
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So what measures should be put in place to conserve the African Lion? First and foremost, helping humans learn how to live with lions is key to ensuring their survival. Conservation organizations are working to change attitudes toward lions through compensation initiatives. Some of these models offer communities financial rewards when their local lion populations rise, while others pay farmers to replace their livestock that have been killed by lions. Participation of all stakeholders involved, at all stages of decision-making is crucial in making sure all decisions made are in favour of all parties. Stakeholders could be nearby or affected communities, government authorities (Environmental Management Agency, Parks and Wildlife Authorities). More research ought to be carried out on the impact of land use change on reserved areas. Land-use changes could include the introduction of heavy mining activities which could result in the migration of the species in question since the noise produced by heavy machinery disturbs the peaceful state of the habitat they prefer. Lastly education and awareness of local communities is vital in order to ensure that the correct information is passed on and solutions on how best human and wildlife conflict are proffered for purposes of ensuring that progress is made regarding the conservation of the African Lion. Everyone has a role to play in the conservation of the African Lion. The time to act is now.
Congratulations are in order This story can fit 100-150 words. The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtually endless. You can include stories that focus on current technologies or innovations in your field. You may also want to note business or economic trends, or make predictions for your customers or clients. If the newsletter is distributed internally, you might comment upon new procedures or improvements to the business. Sales figures or earnings will show how your business is growing. Some newsletters include a column that
is updated every issue, for instance, an advice column, a book review, a letter from the president, or an editorial. You can also profile new employees or top customers or vendors.
“To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”
Inside Story Headline
B
ig congrats to our program director Edwin Moyo for graduating as a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Civic Leadership Leader Cohort 12. this is a stepping stone to a greater heights. Your exemplary, humble and visionary leadership has propelled the organization to greater heights. We wish you all the best as you enter the YALI alumnus World SOETZIM
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Effects of disposable Masks on the Environment Article by : Nomvuyo Mathe Since May 4 2020 it became mandatory for Zimbabweans to wear face masks in public spaces to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), greater attention has been more on human survival than anything else. The lockdown remains in place and the wearing of face masks has become part of our daily life as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. However, little thought or attention has been given to huge quantities of disposable plastic masks which have a devastating effect on the environment, piling more woes to the country's growing litter problem. In the wake of the fight against the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, the impact of the disposable masks has taken a back seat, adding to woes related to the disposal of plastic and other non-biodegradable waste such as kaylites, disposable nappies and pads. Plastic masks, personal protective equipment PPEs, are producing an incredible amount of environmental waste. The vast majorities of disposable masks, PPEs products are not recyclable and must be thrown away with general waste. Disposable masks, PPE, and an array of plastic products are discarded on landfills, open spaces, along roadsides and bridges, where this waste often ends up directly in streams and rivers. This new form of pollution from disposable masks combined with the other know pollutants and the impacts from mining, industrial pollution, excessive soil erosion and increased land clearance is pushing Zimbabwe water and river systems to the limits of sustainability. (Tsiko,2020) The majority of masks are manufactured from long-lasting plastic materials, and if discarded can persist in the environment for decades to hundreds of years. This means they can have a number of impacts on the environment and people. Initially, discarded masks may risk spreading coronavirus to waste collectors, litter pickers or members of the public who first come across the litter. We know that in certain conditions, the virus can survive on a plastic surgical mask for seven days. Over the medium to long term, animals and plants are also affected. Through its sheer mass, plastic waste can smother environments and break up ecosystems. Some animals also cannot tell the difference between plastic items and their prey, subsequently choking on pieces of litter. Even if they do not choke, animals can become malnourished as the materials fill up their stomachs but provide no nutrients. Smaller animals may also become entangled in the elastic within the masks or within gloves as they begin to break apart. Plastics break down into smaller pieces over time, and the longer litter is in the environment, the more it will decompose. Plastics first break down into microplastics and eventually into even smaller nanoplastics. These tiny particles and fibres are often long-lived polymers that can accumulate in food chains.
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Environment
POETRY CORNER
Environment, Environment, Environment The breeze blows gently The sun shines brightly The birds sing from the trees this not beautiful
Nature giving us her best What shall we do to return the favor? Give her the bet too Preserve what she gives
Protect what she has Reclaim what she has lost Pick up the trash, recycle And nature will remain beautiful This is our environment BY SHILO MUKOZHO
Our Environment Our Environment is our heritage The environment is the natural world The trees stand tall and proud The mountains stand firm The valleys and plains are green All green, brown are beautiful Watch the insects flying from flower to flower Stand outside and listen to the never ending songs of the birds and the wind The sound of the stream water falling on the rocks.
Is this not beautiful, nature giving us her best? To save our environment we must prevent erosion of soil, veld fire and killing of animals BY GRACIOUS MUSHANDA
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JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES A SOET STORY It all kick started in the year 2015 with the aim to improve people’s livelihood through the sustainable utilization of natural resources and building climate resilience. SOET’s mandate is to build climate resilience in communities through the implementation of climate mitigation and adaptation programs. We aim to reduce vulnerability to climate and other related shocks through building effective and sustainable community driven mitigation and adaption interventions that reduce vulnerability to the effects of climate change. SOET interventions are all designed to meet the set targets of UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our primary focus goal being SDG 13 (Climate Action).
GOALS
Promoting safe environmental practices in communities.
Raising climate change awareness in communities
Supporting local capacity building sustainable initiatives in environmental protection
VISION To be a vibrant, efficient and effective organisation that provides a holistic response in protecting and conserving environment, achieved through promoting sustainable utilization and conservation of the environment and empowering communities to be custodians of their environment.
MISSION STATEMENT A prosperous future requires a sound natural environment that requires us to act dynamically, progressively and systematically to protect, thus ensuring a safe and healthy environment for current and future communities
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Agriculture, food security and nutrition CJR Primary school) 1
Tree planting day and forest conservation
Covid-19 relief and support program (2020 Food, Covid19 PPE’s and sanitary pads Distribution in Chiwundura Rural and Gweru urban District
Waste Management Project
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SOET celebrates six years of dedication, growth , endurance and hard work in ensuring environmental sustainability. We would like to thank you all for being part of the organization’s success. We greatly appreciate your hard work. As the organization, we look forward to many successful years with you. Happy Anniversary SOET.
Magazine designed and Compiled by: Mpala Wendy Thandeka, Nomvuyo Mathe and Nozimanga Ndiweni .
Mpala Wendy Thandeka
Nomvuyo Mathe
Nozimanga Ndiweni.
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Contributing Partners
Good Deeds gooddeedszim@gmail.com
Environmental Management Agency Email:eep@ema.co.zw www.ema.co.zw
African Network of Young Peace and Sustainable Development
Hodzeko Arts and Culture hodzekoinfo@gmail.com 7th Street, Gweru Main Post Office Human Nature Projects International Save Our Environment Trust 23rd school avenue Gweru
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SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT TRUST SOETzim
Our Environment our concern SOET is a publication that promotes a green culture within Zimbabwean homes, schools, work places and everyday lives. It aims to disseminate information about our environment, raising awareness on how to maintain our beautiful environment. The
magazine seeks to showcase initiatives that have been done already by the trust, community, individuals, groups and different civil society within and out of our region.
PARTNERING We are open to work with individuals, organizations and the government in implementing different projects in Zimbabwe. If interested in partnering with us contact us on our: email address- soetzimbabwe@gmail.com contact number- 0717 485 521 CONTRIBUTE soetzimbabwe@gmail.com ADVERTISING A rate sheet is available on request Contact details +263 717 485 521 +263 774 407 464 Email: soetzimbabwe@gmail.com
Limited Space Available!!
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KEY PERSONAL
EDITOR: Vivian Nheya PROJECT COORDINATOR: Tanaka N.M Marewangepo. DESIGN AND LAY OUT: Wendy Thandeka Mpala, Noziman-
ga Ndiweni, Nomvuyo Mathe & Tendai Maregere PROGRAMMES DIRECTOR: Edwin Moyo EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Oswald Chishanga DISCLAIMER The information, opinions and views set out in this journal are
those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT TRUST or any of their partners. Rights to the photographs and articles remain with the
photographers and the authors respectively. While all care has been taken during proofing, errors and omissions may slip through and we sincerely apologies While all care has been taken during proof-
ing, errors and omissions may we sincerely apologies.