Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
AN integrated Nyaminyami Land Use Plan aimed at balancing development with conservation and economic growth with environmental integrity in Nyaminyami Rural District Council (NRDC) in Kariba has been signed.
The plan was signed today in Kariba in the presence of Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Marian Chombo, Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister, Engineer Benjamin Kabikira and traditional chiefs.
At least US$130 000 was disbursed to fund the NRDC Land Use Plan project by Zimparks and the Wildlife Management Authority through the Matusadona Conservation Trust.
Minister Chombo said the Land Use Plan was a cornerstone in actualising economic and conservation growth in the Ecological Region 5 area.
“Kariba District, endowed with rich biodiversity, abundant freshwater resources from Lake Kariba, and a vibrant cultural heritage, possesses unique comparative advantages in wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture,” she said.
“The plan we sign today is not only a technical document, it is a social contract.”
Research conducted by the University of Zimbabwe established that elephants contributed to over 40 percent of human-wildlife conflicts in the area while hyenas-human conflict stood at 25 percent.
