Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
THE Government has called for a decisive shift from fragmented conservation approaches to a community-centred economic model that places local people at the heart of wildlife protection.
Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, emphasized on this during the SPACES Funders Roundtable on Biodiversity and Sustainable Development held in Victoria Falls on Wednesday.
She told development partners and financiers that despite substantial support from bilateral partners and multilateral institutions, collective impact has been limited by fragmentation.
“The challenge we face is not simply one of resources; it is a challenge of alignment, of translating ambition into a coherent national framework that integrates conservation, development, and community priorities across landscapes,” said Dr Ndlovu.
The two-day meeting, held under the theme: “Unlocking Innovative Financing for Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation in Zimbabwe,” brought together Government officials, the SPACES Coalition, KAZA Secretariat, traditional leaders and conservation stakeholders.
The programme featured plenary sessions unpacking Zimbabwe’s biodiversity conservation priorities, identifying new financial mechanisms for protected areas, and developing community-centred implementation approaches.
Dr Ndlovu stressed that communities must be at the centre of conservation work, adding that Zimbabwe’s conservation model must recognise local people as custodians of biodiversity and partners in green economic development.
“Our conservation model must recognise local people as custodians of biodiversity and as partners in green economic development,” she said.
“We will, therefore, prioritise community-centred governance arrangements, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, and targeted investments in livelihood diversification,” she said.
Minister Ndlovu revealed that Zimbabwe is pursuing a biodiversity economy initiative under the National Development Strategy 2 (2025-2030), prioritising five pillars — wildlife, forestry, blue economy, biotrade and access and benefit-sharing, and payment for ecosystem services.
She invited development partners to support an inaugural Zimbabwe Biodiversity Economy Indaba planned before year end to unpack each pillar and agree on a roadmap.
The desired outcome of the roundtable, Dr Ndlovu said, is the development of a SPACES Plan for Zimbabwe, a nationally owned, finance-ready Trans Frontier Conservation Area funding strategy aligned with NDS2, Vision 2030, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, who was represented by acting director in his office Mr Macmaster Mthethwa, said Matabeleland North’s rich ecosystems must serve as catalysts for inclusive growth.
“Conservation actions can create green jobs, support our eco-tourism, and sustain traditional livelihoods. We, therefore, need to design programmes that lift vulnerable households while protecting ecosystems, including community-based natural resource management, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and skills development,” said Mr Mthethwa.
The roundtable is expected to be concluded with key reflections, participants agreeing to establish long-term financing vehicles to reduce dependence on short-term project cycles.
A field visit to the Lubangwe Community Project in Matetsi, Hwange District, as well as the Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Parks, is also scheduled for Thursday.
