Section 73: Environmental rights
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Every person has the right—
(a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and
(b) to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations,
through reasonable legislative and other measures that—
(i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation;
(ii) promote conservation; and
(iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while
promoting economic and social development.
(2) The State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to achieve the progressive realisation of the rights set out in this section.
This section establishes environmental protection as a fundamental human right in Zimbabwe, balancing ecological conservation with economic development. It's significant because it creates both individual rights and state obligations, placing environmental concerns on par with other constitutional rights. The phrase "progressive realisation" acknowledges that full implementation may take time and depends on available resources, providing flexibility while maintaining commitment to environmental protection.