Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
ZIMBABWE’s renowned wildlife lawyer and conservationist, Advocate Vimbayi Chinoda, has won the prestigious Animal Action Award in the Women in Conservation category.
The ceremony was held at the BAFTA headquarters in London, England on Thursday. The awards, hosted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), recognises exceptional individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to animal welfare and conservation worldwide.
Adv Chinoda, the founder and director of Speak Out For Animals (SOFA), was honoured for her pioneering work in wildlife law, rescue and advocacy in Africa.
Her organisation has become a vital link between the legal community and conservation stakeholders in Zimbabwe.
Speaking after receiving the award, an emotional Adv Chinoda said she was humbled by the recognition.
“I am grateful for this award as it is an affirmation that the work I do is important,” she said. “It is a reflection of Zimbabwe’s growing leadership in wildlife protection and justice.”
She expressed gratitude to the Government for supporting her conservation efforts.
“I want to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for the support from the ministries of Environment, Justice and Education, as these are the three ministries I work closely with.
“Their guidance and collaboration have made it possible to integrate wildlife law into our justice and education systems.”
Adv Chinoda also paid tribute to various national institutions such as the National Prosecuting Authority, Judicial Service Commission, Forestry Commission, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), for their ongoing support and the Memoranda of Understanding established over the years.
“Without collaboration with these agencies, these small victories would not have been possible.
“All these accomplishments over the past eight years have built momentum and contributed to this global recognition,” she said.
Adv Chinoda’s work has been instrumental in strengthening Zimbabwe’s wildlife justice system.
Through her organisation, she has trained over 130 prosecutors, 80 investigators and 20 magistrates in wildlife law, while also lobbying for the establishment of specialised wildlife courts.
She has also been credited with introducing wildlife law at the Herbert Chitepo Law School and leading the creation of a Diploma in Wildlife Law and Policy, which equips legal practitioners with specialised conservation knowledge.
