ISO 14001 Certification in Zimbabwe: Experiences, Problems and Prospects

摘要

The quest for sustainable development has become paramount, whereby there is a need to satisfy the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow, with the aim of improving the quality of life now and in future. Environmental management systems need to be integrated into the overall management framework in order for society to develop in a sustainable manner. ISO 14001 has the effective elements for such an environmental management system. It is systematically structured, effective and verifiable. This paper examines the implementation of ISO 14001 in Zimbabwe, and the responses from various organisations to standardisation. The environmental laws in Zimbabwe, and the need to improve their enforcement, are discussed. A role for computers in environmental management in Zimbabwe is suggested, as well as driving forces for better environmental management and solutions to overcome the main constraints to ISO 14001 certification.