Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
THE International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) are celebrating five years of a transformative conservation partnership that has channeled over US$10 million into strengthening wildlife protection, enhancing habitat management, and fostering community development.
In a joint press statement, IFAW and ZimParks announced that since its inception in 2019, their collaboration has strengthened wildlife protection, enhanced habitat management and tourism development, and empowered local communities.
The partnership has notably contributed to transforming the iconic Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest protected area.
“The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) proudly mark five years of a groundbreaking, value-driven conservation partnership that has had a lasting impact on people, habitats, and wildlife.
“To date, the two organisations have invested over US$10 million, which has been directed towards strengthening law enforcement, enhancing the well-being of rangers, embracing cutting-edge conservation technology, tourism development and promoting coexistence.
“IFAW and ZimParks leadership reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s natural heritage remains protected and thrives harmoniously with people for generations,” the statement reads in part.
Among the key milestones achieved through this commitment are the upgrading of the Makona Ranger Station, providing essential ranger equipment and mobility, and supporting the enhancement of tourist camps and lodges.
Furthermore, the construction of the Hwange National Park one-stop access pavilion has significantly boosted tourism and enhanced visitor experiences. Beyond the park’s boundaries, the partnership has extended its efforts into adjacent communities, installing predator-proof bomas to promote coexistence and collaborating with local schools to foster environmental stewardship.
In his remarks, IFAW president and chief executive officer Mr Azzedine Downes expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the people and Government of Zimbabwe.
“This is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve taken with the people and government of Zimbabwe. From the beginning, we understood that by working hand in hand with our well-meaning partners, including the esteemed communities, we could amplify our impact and ensure that people and wildlife can thrive together.
“As we embark on the next phase of our journey, we reaffirm our commitment to collaborate with the Zimbabwean government to enhance the sustainable management of wildlife, support alternative livelihoods for communities coexisting with wildlife, and foster resilient ecosystems,” said Mr Downes.
Echoing this sentiment of successful collaboration, ZimParks Director General, Professor Edson Gandiwa, stated that together with IFAW, they have become a formidable force, successfully tackling even the most complex conservation challenges within the Hwange-Matetsi-Zambezi landscape.
“Together with IFAW, we have become a force to be reckoned with and have successfully tackled even the most complex conservation challenges facing the Hwange-Matetsi-Zambezi landscape. The milestones we achieved underscore the power of collaboration and a shared vision,” said Prof Gandiwa.
IFAW is a global non-profit that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases animals while restoring their natural habitats across over 40 countries.
Similarly, ZimParks is responsible for protecting and managing Zimbabwe’s rich wildlife, boasting a strong history of sound conservation that ensures the survival and thriving of diverse flora and fauna.
