By Ernest K Mando, Masvingo
While the ASG sector is known for its potential significant contribution to national GDP, wide literature suggests that the same sector has brought untold suffering to the environment and surrounding communities in Zimbabwe. Improper use of chemicals and rudimentary methods means communities and the environment remains at risk.This article therefore builds a case towards an inclusive, sustainable socio-ecological framework, and proposes the following efforts be implemented:
Firstly, the government needs to urgently formulate a clear policy that mainstreams disaster risk reduction in all ASM activities. To be successful, a multi-stakeholder approach is required in which key actors that includethe relevant ministries, environmentalists, researchers, communities and the panners themselves participate in the wholesome process. Panners are victims to ASG activities hence their participation in policy formulation process is essential.Secondly, the MRDC together and EMA need todevelop training tools that they use to implement environmental education and awareness programmes for the local community, gold panners and the traders. The trainings can be conducted at community and site levels through the facilitation of local leadership. Since, the exercise is costly; the government through the relevant ministry should provide a specific fund for ASG training and awareness. The training should cover all socio-ecological aspects that have adverse effects on communities and the environment.
Thirdly, since some environments have already been destroyed and degraded by the ASG activities, land rehabilitation programme is paramount to reduce further degradation and ecosystem disruptions.Gullies causes by excavations should be filled up to prevent wildlife, humans and livestock from falling into pits. The land rehabilitation programme should be supplemented by taxes and fines obtained from the offenders. However, there is need for transparent systems of taxation for this particular sector in order to fully harness the funds for addressing deforestation, pollution, land degradation and other impacts of the ASG sector.Above all,the government should simply regulate and formalise all gold mining activities. This can be done through licensing, provision of permanent claims to panners and operating permits.Licensing means the government income is augmented through taxation hence such funds can significantly subsidize the small and medium enterprises in the ASG sector through the Ministry of Small Scale and Medium Enterprises in form of loans, PPE and efficient, environmental friendly machinery.
The adoption of such socio-ecological strategies may see efficient and effective institutional frameworks being implemented in the ASG sector.Even the panners can safely hold themselves responsible and accountable for their mining and panning activities.
Ernest Mando is an independent research and training consultant, a part-time lecturer in Public Health, Environmental Sustainability and Education. He is currently studying a Doctorate (PhD) in Environmental Management. Contacts: +263-772244193, 735404802 or email- ernestkmando@gmail.com
