The Sustainability Ethic in the Management of the Physical, Infrastructural and Natural Resources of Zimbabwe

Humanity has extensively exploited natural and physical resources,
since the Industrial Revolution in Europe. A geological era, now called
the Anthropocene, has been coined in environmental and developmental
circles, to mark the increased domination of humanity on Earth and its
resources. Today, the ecological footprint on the fragile planet
continues to increase. Mass industrialisation, like what China is doing
and pushing for, is one of the drivers for increased urbanisation that
results in increased demand for land. It is also the stimulus behind
increased deforestation, overfishing, and pollution. As the fragility of
the Earth increases, global bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change are pushing to reduce the Earth’s temperature. Human
efforts to manage the problem cascade from a global to a regional, to a
national, as well as to much localised scales. Missing though are
nuanced contributions at national and community levels, which this book
is an attempt to bridge. The nagging sense of responsibility is what
this book explores under the label of “sustainability ethic”. As a case
study, the book examines the use of sustainability ethic in the
management of the physical, infrastructural and natural resources of
Zimbabwe. This ethic is built on pillars that include participation of
people (households) in their pursuit for sustainable livelihoods,
appropriate technology, tools and techniques for environmental
protection. It also hinges on stewardship and structures, institutions,
policies and processes of governance and sustainability. There are also
the aspects of ethics, laws and indigenous technical knowledge for
sustainability, capacity building and education plans and programmes for
sustainability and population and demographic determinants, processes
and outcomes for sustainability. The book is a timely contribution to an
urgent global concern and climate change debate.