BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ), was previously known as the Environmental Forum of Zimbabwe.

It was formed in 1993 by a group of leading business people in Zimbabwe who shared common concerns over environmental issues and who wished to make and encourage a commitment by business to the phased implementation of environmental management programmes, and assist in enhancing appropriate knowledge.

While the original focus was on environmental management, in subsequent years it steadily broadened its agenda in line with international thinking to encompass Sustainable Development, involving the three interlinked pillars of economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. The change of name was therefore a logical progression. It also more clearly aligned the BCSDZ with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), of which it is a long-standing regional network partner.

The BCSDZ is founded on a Constitution, Mission Statement and Code of Conduct with a Board of Trustees.

The Council, which is the policy-making body, can have up to twelve elected representatives from the membership and meets quarterly.

A Management Committee oversees the implementation of the BCSDZ's objectives and meets monthly.

There are four active branches in Bindura, Bulawayo, Gweru & the Lowveld and the branch in Mutare is being revived during 2010.

The BCSDZ has six Technical Committees on: Climate Change & Emissions; Energy; Environmental Management Act (EMA); Water; Waste; and Sustainable Development Reporting. A new Committee on Business & Biodiversity has just been formed.

The BCSDZ enjoys appreciated liaison with numerous relevant public and private sector bodies in Zimbabwe that are involved in related fields.

Over the years the BCSDZ has greatly valued the many benefits derived from its regional networking partnership with the WBCSD. The WBCSD is a coalition of some 200 international companies united by a shared commitment to Sustainable Development. Members are drawn from over 36 countries and 22 major industrial sectors. The regional network comprises 60 national and regional business councils and partner organisations involving some 1 000 business leaders. Regional Network and Liaison Delegates meetings are held twice each year in different countries.

The BCSDZ is therefore able to keep in touch with the latest issues, thinking and best practice on sustainable development in business.

The BCSDZ also maintains a close relationship with the National Business Initiative (NBI) in South Africa which is also a regional network partner of the WBCSD.

The BCSDZ has a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding with Environment Africa and a separate Memorandum of Understanding with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation on promoting Inclusive Business/Enterprise Development.

In achieving its role as a catalyst in the bringing together and sharing of knowledge on a broad range of topics the BCSDZ arranges popular seminars, technical workshops, field days, training and an annual two-day conference. At the conclusion of each annual conference a CD of the Presentations is produced and these CD's now constitute a formidable body of knowledge.

The BCSDZ also produces a quarterly electronic newsletter “BCSDZ Update” which is emailed to all members, as well as Bulletins and Guidance Notes as required.

A feature of the BCSDZ's activities is that many are carried out in close liaison with member organisations who host various events, provide speakers on their respective experiences and give generous sponsorship in various forms. Members who serve on the BCSDZ's structure of various Committees do so out of personal commitment and as a community service, giving freely of their time.