Rotary Club unveils US$850K environmental project to transform Chimanimani communities

KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI

Rotary Club of Harare City celebrated  120 years of service with a strong commitment to transformative community initiatives, highlighted by by the launch of the $850,000 Partners for the Environment Project in Chimanimani, Business Times  can report.

This ambitious initiative  aims to enhance ecosystem services and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to sustainable development and collective action.

Harare City President Leslie Mukarati highlighted the importance of the project, which aims to enhance ecosystem services, thereby improving livelihoods and resilience among smallholder farmers at recent dinner

“As we celebrate 120 years of Rotary’s impact and community service, we are reminded of our founder Paul Harris’ vision of a global network based on service and friendship. Today, this vision is alive and well,” Mukarati stated.

Mukarati expressed pride in the collaborative effort between Rotary and World Vision, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030), particularly SDG 15, focused on ecosystem conservation.

 “We are honored to have this opportunity to celebrate the impact being made in Chimanimani through this global grant project. This project is a testament to the power of collective action and service to others, which is at the heart of Rotary’s mission,” he added.

The president acknowledged the Rotary Club of Rancho Park from America, led by Past District Governor Guity, for their vital role in championing the project. He emphasized the financial commitment of all parties involved, stating,

“We appreciate the financial sacrifice made by all involved to make this Partners for the Environment project a reality.”

The project’s goals include empowering institutions, communities, and households to sustainably use natural resources, rehabilitating degraded communal land and forests, and promoting diversified income-generating activities.

 “This is the largest environmental initiative for Rotary, and we are confident that it will transform lives in the two wards in Chimanimani,” Mukarati remarked.

In addition to the Chimanimani project, the Rotary Club of Harare City is also pursuing a Global Grant project focused on Water and Sanitation, set to launch soon. Mukarati called for ongoing support, noting that fundraising events are crucial for the club’s initiatives.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “The Magic of Rotary,” Mukarati said,

“This theme highlights the power of collective action and service to others. We will create the magic as we implement these projects, using funds raised from our activities.”