Zimbabwe’s champions of environmental stewardship and sustainable development will take centre stage this week when the inaugural Zimbabwe Life Sustenance Awards are held in the capital.

The awards ceremony, organised by Maconobo Media, will take place on March 20, 2026, at the Casino Marina, Long Cheng Plaza, bringing together leaders from business, government, civil society and the environmental sector to celebrate individuals and organisations championing responsible development and ecological balance.

The initiative aims to recognise Zimbabweans whose work promotes sustainable living, environmental protection and responsible management of natural resources at a time when climate-related challenges and environmental degradation continue to affect communities across the country.

Founder and Executive Director of the awards, Hick Gwarimbo, said the platform was created to highlight those making tangible contributions towards safeguarding the country’s environmental future.

“We are living in an era where sustainability is no longer optional but essential. Across Zimbabwe there are individuals, organisations and community initiatives quietly doing remarkable work to protect the environment, promote responsible production and consumption, and build livelihoods that respect the natural ecosystem. The Zimbabwe Life Sustenance Awards seek to bring those efforts into the spotlight.”

He said recognising such initiatives was vital in encouraging broader participation in sustainable development efforts.

“When people see others being celebrated for protecting the environment or pioneering innovative sustainable solutions, it inspires replication and collaboration. Recognition amplifies good work and helps create a culture where environmental responsibility becomes part of everyday life,” he said.

Zimbabwe, like many nations across the globe, faces increasing environmental pressures ranging from climate variability to land degradation and unsustainable resource exploitation. I

n response, communities, entrepreneurs and institutions are increasingly adopting innovative strategies aimed at balancing economic development with environmental protection.

The Zimbabwe Life Sustenance Awards aim to acknowledge these efforts by honouring projects and initiatives that demonstrate practical solutions in areas such as sustainable agriculture, conservation, responsible production, environmental education and community resilience.

According to Gwarimbo, the awards are not only about celebration but also about fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to sustainability.

“The ceremony will provide a meeting point for sustainability advocates, development practitioners, policymakers and business leaders who share a vision of building resilient communities.

“We want this platform to stimulate conversations that lead to partnerships, innovation and long-term solutions for Zimbabwe’s environmental challenges.”

Beyond the recognition itself, the event is expected to create opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange among participants who are shaping sustainability initiatives across various sectors.

As global conversations around climate change and sustainable development intensify, platforms that highlight local solutions are becoming increasingly important. By celebrating environmental leadership at home, organisers believe the awards can help build national momentum toward responsible resource management and long-term development.

“The future of our communities depends on how responsibly we manage the resources entrusted to us today. Through these awards, we hope to encourage a national culture that values sustainability, innovation and collective stewardship of our natural heritage.”

The awards ceremony will begin at 6:00pm, with invited guests expected to include sustainability advocates, business executives, environmental experts, development partners and policymakers.

Organisers say the evening will be dedicated to celebrating impact, innovation and commitment to building a more sustainable Zimbabwe.