adminThandeka Moyo Chronicle Reporter
A NUMBER of tourists from the United States and South Africa have confirmed their participation in the 500km Rhino Awareness Walk from Matobo to Victoria Falls that is expected to start on Sunday. The initiative is aimed at curbing poaching incidents in Zimbabwe. Sam Nkomo a professional guide who initiated the idea of the walk as a response to poaching in Zimbabwe and Africa, told Chronicle yesterday that he hopes the initiative will culminate in more young people being involved in environment and wildlife issues.
Nkomo said the walk would also be about passing his knowledge and skills to younger generations on how to preserve wildlife.
“In particular I wish to reach the young people like myself at grassroots level. My long term ambition is to encourage the young to seek employment in the environment and wildlife sectors and create funding support to make this possible,” he said.
Nkomo is expected to be welcomed by government officials and other dignitaries in Victoria Falls.
Driven by a combination of anger, sadness and frustration due to poaching, Nkomo sought answers and decided to walk, as a friend of his had done in Kenya. He felt strongly that this would help highlight this tragedy and encourage people to donate, and assist the country’s anti-poaching units.
Last June more than 100 elephants died from cyanide poisoning in Hwange, the country’s largest national park resulting in the arrest of 14 people mainly villagers from Tsholotsho.
Zimbabwe has one of Africa’s biggest surviving elephant populations since herds in neighbouring regions of Eastern and Central Africa have been decimated by poaching.
Online Reporter