About SECTA

Sustainable Environmental Conservation Trust Africa

Who We Are

SECTA Background

Established in 2011, Sustainable Environmental Conservation Trust Africa (SECTA) is a Zimbabwean non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting and rejuvenating the environment. Over the years, SECTA has actively engaged in environmental education and awareness campaigns, restored degraded lands, and empowered communities with sustainable livelihood skills like agroforestry.

SECTA’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship begins with its “Catching Them Young” initiative, which seeks to instill a culture of environmental responsibility among youth. By prioritizing schools and community education, SECTA has cultivated a generation equipped to champion environmental sustainability. Employing a bottom-up and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the organization uplifts marginalized and vulnerable communities, ensuring inclusivity in its mission to foster sustainable development.

Recognizing the potential of youth, children, and communities as catalysts for change, SECTA envisions a prosperous and sustainable future led by empowered citizens. To realize this vision, SECTA has introduced impactful programs such as the Climate Smart Agriculture Project in schools, the Environmental Clubs initiative, the Sustainable Schools Program, and Assisted Natural Regeneration projects. Additionally, SECTA has spearheaded the regreening of Dangamvura Mountain, tree nurseries in schools, and various youth critical thinking competitions.

These competitions—spanning debates, quizzes, spelling bees, public speaking, and art—have gained prominence, with participants from six Zimbabwean provinces advancing to international platforms in countries like Cameroon (2017), Tanzania (2018), and Ghana (2019). SECTA’s initiatives also include training on Community Environmental Action Planning and climate change adaptation in Mutare Rural District Council’s Ward 28.

SECTA’s unwavering dedication to environmental restoration, education, and community empowerment underscores its belief in the transformative power of informed and engaged citizens to drive sustainable development in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Our Approach

Why SECTA is Important

Sustainable Environmental Conservation Trust Africa (SECTA) plays a critical role in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s natural resources and empowering communities for sustainable development. Established in 2011, SECTA is committed to addressing environmental challenges through education, biodiversity protection, and climate change mitigation.

Environmental education and awareness form a cornerstone of SECTA’s initiatives. By promoting responsible resource management, the organization fosters a culture of sustainability, ensuring that communities understand the value of conservation and take an active role in protecting their surroundings. SECTA’s efforts also extend to protecting biodiversity, which is vital for healthy ecosystems and sustainable development.

In response to the urgent need to address climate change, SECTA actively works on habitat conservation and restoration. These actions mitigate the effects of climate change while enhancing resilience for both communities and ecosystems. The organization also empowers local populations by promoting sustainable livelihoods and improving access to natural resources. Through its efforts, SECTA uplifts marginalized communities, enhancing their capacity for environmental stewardship and overall well-being.

By hosting national and international environmental competitions, partnering with key stakeholders, and implementing projects such as tree planting and sustainable land management, SECTA has demonstrated its capacity to inspire change and foster environmental resilience.

01.

— Our Mission

SECTA’s mission is to restore and protect the environment. It operates primarily through environmental education, research and awareness raising, capacity building of communities and institutions.

SECTA facilitates community-led programmes for environmental restoration, conservation and sustainable livelihoods and provides training and support in climate smart agriculture, forest management, waste management, energy conservation, sustainable income generation and rehabilitation of degraded natural resources.

02.

— Our Vision

A world where people, are able to optimize their natural resource-base for a sustainable future.

03.

— Our Objectives

To educate the public and raise awareness on environmental stewardship and sustainability
To cultivate a culture of respect for nature
To help communities gain improved health and sanitation
To reduce risk of disasters and vulnerability reduction in communities
To promote sustainable community based natural resource management