The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is embracing modern technology to strengthen environmental protection with new real-time systems to monitor air pollution and track wildfires across the country.
In interview with CITE, EMA Environmental Education and Publicity Manager Amkela Sidange said the agency is rolling out innovative tools aimed at improving both environmental management and public health.
“We are using the opportunity at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to highlight how we can use technology to monitor the environment. In this case, we have technology that allows us to monitor air quality in real time, showing the quality of air wherever you are,” said Sidange.
Under a funded project, EMA has already installed 14 air quality sensors at strategic locations nationwide, including pollution-prone areas such as Hwange and five sites in Harare.
“These sensors measure particulate matter in the atmosphere and give us an index to determine whether air quality is in the blue, yellow or red zone. They also show the size of particulate matter. The smaller the particles, the more dangerous they are to human health,” explained Sidange.
She noted that the data collected is not only vital for environmental monitoring but also critical for public health planning.
“This is not only an environmental issue, it is also a public health issue,” We share this information with relevant ministries so that people can make informed decisions, whether to avoid certain areas or take precautions like closing windows,” she said.
EMA plans to make this information more accessible by launching a mobile application that will allow citizens to check air quality levels directly from their Android devices.
In addition to air monitoring, the agency is also deploying near real-time technology to detect and manage wildfires which are expected to increase this year due to high biomass from recent rains.
“Our fire risk prediction indicated that even areas not traditionally prone to wildfires are now at extreme risk. We have pockets around Gokwe that are in the red zone this year,” said Sidange.
Using satellite-based systems, EMA can detect active fires, determine their location and assess whether they are controlled burns or dangerous wildfires.
“The technology can show when a fire starts, whether it has been contained and even estimate the area affected. When we detect an active wildfire, we immediately alert relevant authorities so firefighting teams can respond quickly.”
Sidange added that the system can also help identify possible causes of fires, citing recent detections in Triangle and Hwange.
“We were able to tell that some fires were controlled burns in sugarcane plantations or fireguard management while others required urgent intervention,” she said.
EMA is also working closely with communities including those in Mbire where residents have expressed interest in accessing fire-monitoring tools to improve preparedness.
“They are saying, give us the technology so we can detect fires early and respond as a community,’” Sidange said.
She emphasized that wildfire management requires a collaborative approach.
“EMA is not working alone. There are several arms of government involved and we are promoting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” she added.
The agency has already released the 2026 fire risk prediction report to guide national preparedness efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Matabeleland North, South, parts of Midlands and areas like Umzingwane and Matopo.