News / National
UNICEF to fund sustainable energy projects
29 Apr 2016 at 07:11hrs | Views
Stakeholders in the energy sector on Thursday held a breakfast meeting to interrogate issues relating to the promotion of green energy as exploitation of natural resources has led to loss of biodiversity.
The energy stakeholders urged government to prioritise innovations that promote use of green energy.
UNICEF Climate Change Officer, Ms Amy Wickham noted they are looking to fund sustainable energy projects that can be replicated to improve livelihoods of Zimbabweans, many of whom rely on use of fossil fuels and firewood especially for cooking.
"We have come up with a competition whereby we would like to popularise innovations that are energy efficient. Replication of such innovations will go a long way in easing the plight of millions of people on the globe," said Ms Wickham.
Development partners in the energy sector were also appraised by civic society organisations on projects they are undertaking to promote green energy.
Practical Action Head of Energy Access, Mr Godfrey Sibanda says with government support initiatives such as micro hydro projects can be implemented.
"The setting up of various projects such as mini hydro's has shown us the impact that they can have especially for rural communities. What is now needed is for a deliberate thrust by government to ensure that we can also set them up in other parts of the country".
The media was also cited as a key player in the adoption of clean energy awareness.
"Media engagement plays a crucial part as it ensures that the message of sustainable energy becomes part and parcel of every Zimbabwean's life. This will also assist in efforts being made to preserve the environment".
Clean energy has become part of the global discourse on the development agenda of many countries given its contribution to the economy and environmental sustainability.
The breakfast meeting was hosted by Zero Regional Environment Organisation.
The energy stakeholders urged government to prioritise innovations that promote use of green energy.
UNICEF Climate Change Officer, Ms Amy Wickham noted they are looking to fund sustainable energy projects that can be replicated to improve livelihoods of Zimbabweans, many of whom rely on use of fossil fuels and firewood especially for cooking.
"We have come up with a competition whereby we would like to popularise innovations that are energy efficient. Replication of such innovations will go a long way in easing the plight of millions of people on the globe," said Ms Wickham.
Development partners in the energy sector were also appraised by civic society organisations on projects they are undertaking to promote green energy.
"The setting up of various projects such as mini hydro's has shown us the impact that they can have especially for rural communities. What is now needed is for a deliberate thrust by government to ensure that we can also set them up in other parts of the country".
The media was also cited as a key player in the adoption of clean energy awareness.
"Media engagement plays a crucial part as it ensures that the message of sustainable energy becomes part and parcel of every Zimbabwean's life. This will also assist in efforts being made to preserve the environment".
Clean energy has become part of the global discourse on the development agenda of many countries given its contribution to the economy and environmental sustainability.
The breakfast meeting was hosted by Zero Regional Environment Organisation.
Source - zbc
