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ENVIRONMENT Africa has handed over litter bags for the national parks to reduce garbage in the country’s tourist attractions. Speaking at the handover ceremony, held at Harare Agricultural Show, National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson, Ms Caroline Washaya-Moyo said parks face litter challenges that endangers wild animals.
“We are happy with what the Environment Africa has done. This will go a long way in reducing the garbage in our national parks.
“Some carefree tourists who visit our parks are just throwing litter around which in turn is endangering wild animals,” she said.
She said this was s also affecting the country’s tourism sector as many of them wrongly treat wild animals.
“For example, if you throw an empty can to a baboon, it attempts to play with it.
“When the baboon puts a finger in the can, it may have difficulty in taking it out. Some then take pictures and post it on websites resulting in some stating that Zimbabwe is abusing wild animals yet that’s not true,” she said.
Ms Washaya-Moyo said those found doing that would be treated as poachers.
“We are not afraid to take legal action if we see anyone throwing litter in the parks,” she said.
She said it is policy that tourists entering national parks are given litter bins on their way in and when they come out they, empty them. Environment Africa board chairman Albert Katsande said they have started distributing the bins across Zimbabwe.
“The issue of litter is sensitive. Some people may not take this seriously but it is destroying our wildlife and something should be done,” he said.
Mr Katsande added that they are partnering local supermarkets to promote the litter campaign programme.
“We are partnering with supermarkets such as OK, TM and other established supermarkets in the country to curb the issue of litter. We hope to get support,” said Mr Katsande.
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