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On March 3rd, the world celebrated World Wildlife Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of wildlife and its conservation.
This year’s theme, “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation,” underscores the need for collaboration to protect and preserve Africa’s natural heritage, which is threatened by various human activities, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
In Zimbabwe, the situation is no different, and partnerships are critical to saving the country’s diverse wildlife species, which include the African elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhinoceros, and many others.
Wild Africa Fund, an organisation committed to promoting peaceful co-existence between humans and wildlife, recognises that protecting and preserving Zimbabwe’s natural heritage cannot be achieved independently.
“At Wild Africa Fund, we believe that collaboration is crucial to achieving greater impact and assisting Zimbabwe protect her natural resources for future generations,” said WAF chief executive, Peter Knights.
“By partnering with governments, international and local NGOs, international and local media, and local communities, we can find innovative solutions to build a sustainable future for humans and wildlife alike.”
One of the notable success stories in Zimbabwe’s recent conservation efforts is the revival of the black rhino population in the country.
According to an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) report, Zimbabwe’s rhino population had declined significantly due to poaching and habitat loss in the early 1990s, declining from an estimated 1 000 individuals to just 220 individuals in 2008.
Through concerted conservation efforts such as anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration, the population has increased significantly in recent years. As of 2021, the IUCN estimates that Zimbabwe’s black rhino population had increased to around 500 individuals, representing a doubling of the population since 2008, with a continued growth trajectory.
The success of Zimbabwe’s black rhino conservation efforts is due to partnerships between conservation organisations, Government, local communities and other stakeholders.
These partnerships have enabled the implementation of effective anti-poaching measures, the restoration of critical rhino habitats, and the development of community-driven conservation initiatives.
The Zimbabwean Government, for example, has shown commitment to wildlife conservation through the implementation of policies and initiatives that promote the protection and preservation of wildlife and its habitats.
One of the most significant efforts has been the implementation of the Zimbabwe National Elephant and Lion Management Plan, which outlines strategies for the protection and management of elephants and lions in Zimbabwe.
The plan has been critical in guiding the Government’s approach to wildlife conservation, including anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration.
Government has also established a specialised unit within the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) to combat poaching. This unit, known as the National Anti-Poaching Unit (NAPU), has been successful in reducing poaching incidents and improving law enforcement in protected areas. Government has also worked with local communities to develop community-based conservation initiatives that involve the participation of communities, with the aim of reducing human-wildlife conflicts and promoting sustainable resource use.
One such initiative is the CAMPFIRE programme, which allows communities to derive benefits from wildlife resources in their areas while promoting conservation.
In partnership with various conservation organisations, Government implemented habitat restoration projects in protected areas, including the Hwange National Park, which is Zimbabwe’s largest national park.
One of the local partners, Tikobane Trust, is a community organisation that seeks to promote the peaceful co-existence between wildlife and rural communities sharing borders in and around Hwange National Park.
Significant gains have been made in the recovery of the black rhino population in Hwange.
The Trust’s work is vital in ensuring that local communities are actively involved in conservation efforts, as their participation is critical to the long-term success of conservation initiatives.
“We take great pride in the natural resources of our country, and we are thrilled to partner with Wild Africa Fund in conserving our heritage. We have witnessed positive community-driven initiatives, and we believe the partnership will help to further promote active community participation in wildlife and environmental conservation in Zimbabwe,” said Ndlelane Ncube of Tikobane Trust.
Another critical partner in Zimbabwe’s conservation efforts is Anti-poaching & Tracking Specialists (ATS), which is dedicated to protecting wildlife, particularly rhinos, from poaching.
“It is an absolute honour to be a part of the greater conservation family. Being on the frontline of rhino protection and protecting all else in the wake, support is absolutely vital to sustainability. It is for this reason that we value our key partnerships,” said Bryce Clemence, founder of ATS.
Partnerships are not just essential in Zimbabwe’s conservation efforts but also critical for the country’s economic development.
Wildlife is an essential component of Zimbabwe’s economy, generating significant revenue through tourism and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of people. By preserving Zimbabwe’s wildlife, we not only honour cultural traditions but also secure a prosperous future for the nation.
A wildlife and environmental communicator, Wild Africa Fund offers documentaries, short films, music videos, animations, and public service announcements for TV, radio, and social media channels.
To support this, local and international media have played a crucial role in presenting Zimbabwe’s rich wildlife heritage, from the majestic African elephant to the elusive black rhino. Through their coverage of conservation efforts and success stories, media outlets have helped to raise awareness of the threats facing wildlife and the urgent need for action to protect these precious animals.
Media coverage has also been instrumental in promoting wildlife tourism in Zimbabwe, which has already been cited as an important source of revenue for the country.
By showcasing Zimbabwe’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife, media outlets have helped to attract visitors from around the world, boosting the country’s tourism industry, helping job creation and supporting local communities.
Media outlets have also provided a platform for conservation organisations and community-driven initiatives to share their stories and raise awareness about their work.
Through interviews, documentaries, and other forms of media coverage, these organisations have been able to engage with a wider audience and mobilise support for their conservation efforts.
The rise of digital media has enabled conservation organisations and tourism boards to connect with a global audience, sharing impressive photographs and videos of Zimbabwe’s wildlife and landscapes, and showcasing the importance of conservation efforts.
In 2022, Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, the First Lady of Zimbabwe, was appointed as Global Wildlife Ambassador for Wild Africa Fund, demonstrating her deep commitment to nurturing not just the people of Zimbabwe but also wildlife and environmental protection.
Since then, Her Excellency has consistently used her position and platform to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and to promote sustainable tourism practices.
In February, we celebrated World Pangolin Day, an occasion that highlights the importance of protecting these unique and fascinating creatures, which are also the most trafficked mammals on earth.
The First Lady underscored the significance of wildlife conservation, noting that “the pangolin is more than an animal. It is part of our culture. Wildlife is our heritage and can be our future.”
Participating at a United Nations World Wildlife Day 2023 event, Her Excellency cited the urgent need for a global collective effort to step up the fight against wildlife crime which corrodes the country’s resource base, damages the economy and degrades the ecosystems.
She further reminded attendees that “we all have one Mother Earth, and it is our collective duty to look after it.” This is especially significant given the ongoing threats to the country’s wildlife populations.
Reiterating the need for everyone to play their part, Wild Africa Fund calls on all stakeholders to join in efforts to protect and preserve Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
“By working together, we can ensure a future where humans and wildlife thrive together in harmony,” said Knights.
l Article by Wild Africa Fund
Online Reporter