MeDRA Empowers Communities in Zimbabwe for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Resilience
by Priviledge Zviregei
Methodist Development and Relief Agency (MeDRA), an arm of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, plays a crucial role in addressing development and relief issues within the country. With a mission to empower communities to be sustainable and resilient to climate change, MeDRA actively works towards creating positive change.
As a member of Act Alliance, a global network of faith-based organizations, MeDRA collaborates with church leaders to advocate for climate change adaptation within their churches. One of the key strategies employed by MeDRA under the Act Alliance is to engage church leaders and empower them to advocate for climate change adaptation within their congregations.
Churches, as influential institutions, possess the power to drive societal change. MeDRA recognizes the importance of leveraging this influence to address critical environmental concerns. By equipping church leaders with knowledge and resources, MeDRA enables them to become agents of change, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and resilience within their communities.
Tariro Washaya Mpofu, the Programs Manager at MeDRA, believes that this initiative holds great potential as it brings together multi-faith leaders who possess the power to influence societal change.“We believe this is going to be effective because we are bringing in various multi-faith leaders that are going to go back to their communities,we believe that the church has the power to influence any change that is needed in the society.”MeDRA has made significant strides in empowering communities by implementing various initiatives that promote sustainability and combat climate change.
One of the noteworthy efforts is the provision of fences to prevent deforestation. By curbing the cutting down of trees, MeDRA aims to protect the environment and preserve the natural resources that are vital for the well-being of communities. These fences serve as a physical barrier, ensuring that trees are not indiscriminately felled, thereby contributing to the preservation of Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity.Furthermore, MeDRA has actively promoted afforestation and reforestation by distributing over 100 gum trees.
Afforestation involves establishing new forests in areas where there were none previously, while reforestation focuses on replanting trees in areas that have experienced deforestation. By distributing gum trees, MeDRA not only contributes to the restoration of forest cover but also assists in mitigating the effects of climate change. Trees play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming.
As MeDRA continues to empower communities and advocate for sustainable practices, it serves as a beacon of hope for a greener and more resilient Zimbabwe.
