Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe has officially launched a comprehensive Investment Prospectus, unveiling new opportunities to develop and conserve key forest assets, including the Chirinda Forest Botanical Reserve in Chipinge District, which is set to be transformed into a research and tourism hub.
Unveiled late last month, the prospectus aims to attract both local and international investors into sustainable forestry, ecotourism, and value addition projects across the country’s extensive forest estates.
Among the highlighted assets is Chirinda Forest, located on the slopes of Mt Selinda near Chipinge, close to the Mozambique border.
This unique rainforest, renowned for its rare biodiversity and ecological significance, is being positioned as an investment destination that balances conservation priorities with sustainable economic use.
Covering approximately 960 hectares, Chirinda is Zimbabwe’s only medium altitude rainforest.
It hosts exceptional biological diversity, including species found nowhere else in the country, making it both a conservation treasure and a strategic investment opportunity.
“Chirinda Rainforest is a nationally rare and globally significant 960-hectare remnant rainforest in Chipinge renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity including more than 350 bird species, over 800 butterfly species and record-tall canopy trees reaching approximately 60 meters. The site is exceptionally well-suited to a conservation led tourism and research model that prioritises protection, education and low impact visitor experience.
“The Forests Commission seeks conservation minded partners to co-develop sustainable stewardship eco-tourism and biodiversity finance initiatives that deliver long term ecological and social value. Chirinda offers a rare blend of outstanding biodiversity, research, value and visitor appeal ideal for partners who prioritise conservation outcomes alongside carefully managed, high value nature tourism and capacity building,” Forestry Commission revealed.
Across the country, Forestry Commission is also courting investors for the 20 000ha Sijarira Forest in Kariba, Gwai Lock Forest (66 000ha), Bembesi Forest (26 000ha) and Fuller Forest in Victoria Falls.
They are also seeking partners for the construction of lodges adjacent to Victoria Falls International Airport and Ubuso Block Tourism Block also in Victoria Falls.
