Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable wildlife trade while firmly rejecting increased global restrictions, stating that inflexible conservation policies undermine Zimbabwe’s achievements and negatively impact local livelihoods.
This stance was outlined by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, during a stakeholder engagement meeting held in Bulawayo on Tuesday under the theme: “Inclusive Integration of Sustainable Wildlife Trade into the Economic Landscape.”
The meeting was convened in preparation for the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from November 24 to December 5, 2025.
Held every two to three years, CITES CoPs serve as platforms to review progress in species conservation, amend species listings in Appendices I and II, and deliberate on implementation and compliance measures.
Addressing stakeholders, Dr Ndlovu said Zimbabwe continues to oppose one-size-fits-all approaches that fail to take local successes in wildlife management into account.
“We are a pro-sustainable trade country and are against increased regulation and curtailment of trade. We are also opposed to the unwarranted inclusion of species in Appendix I. We reject blanket policies that overlook national wildlife conservation achievements and disregard the livelihoods of local communities,” she said.
Dr Ndlovu noted that Zimbabwe’s objective in being a member of CITES is to contribute to the sustainable conservation of endangered species through participation in the regulation of international trade.
“We still believe in the effectiveness of multilateralism, and CoP20 offers us another opportunity to play a part in shaping global conservation policy,” she said.
Appendix I of the CITES framework lists species considered to be most at risk of extinction and prohibits their commercial trade.
Dr Ndlovu further criticised the growing reliance on the “precautionary principle” in international environmental policy, stating that it is increasingly being used to hinder sustainable utilisation efforts.
“While Zimbabwe agrees with certain elements of the precautionary principle, elevating it above key principles such as sustainable development and sovereignty over natural resources is problematic. It is being employed to obstruct proposals for the sustainable use of wildlife resources, even when adequate safeguards are in place,” she said.
The minister highlighted Zimbabwe’s successful elephant management model, which has led to stable or growing elephant populations through community-led conservation initiatives.
“We urge CITES to recognise our track record and allow for regulated international trade in ivory and live animals. This would assist us in raising funds for conservation efforts and in addressing the escalating challenge of human-wildlife conflict,” said Dr Ndlovu.
She pointed out that Zimbabwe’s elephant overpopulation has resulted in increased incidents of human-wildlife conflict, including loss of life and damage to crops, livestock, and property.
Dr Ndlovu said the Government is finalising a review of the national wildlife policy and the Parks and Wildlife Act to further strengthen conservation frameworks.
“Our wildlife populations are generally healthy, and habitats remain intact thanks to robust partnerships. However, we cannot become complacent. CoP20 presents another opportunity to influence global conservation policy in a way that respects local expertise and national sovereignty.”
Dr Ndlovu reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to multilateral co-operation but stressed that it must be on terms that acknowledge national contexts and support sustainable development for communities coexisting with wildlife.
@nyeve14
