Online Reporter
Cabinet last week approved the National Wildlife Policy, which represents a paradigm shift in the governance of natural resources by placing communities, the traditional leadership and economic value at the centre of conservation. Zimpapers Correspondent REMEMBER DEKETEKE spoke to Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister EVELYN NDLOVU, who provided an in-depth breakdown of the policy, highlighting its transformative pillars and far-reaching implications for rural livelihoods, national development and ecological sustainability.
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Q: What is the overarching vision and significance of the new National Wildlife Policy?
A: The policy represents a comprehensive review and modernisation of Zimbabwe’s 1992 wildlife framework, crafted to align with evolving global standards, regional cooperation models and technological advancements in conservation.
At its core, the policy seeks to reposition wildlife as a strategic national asset capable of contributing meaningfully to economic growth, employment creation and rural development.
It recognises that wildlife is not merely a heritage resource to be preserved, but a dynamic economic sector that can drive value chains across tourism, manufacturing and research. The policy is anchored in 10 pillars, each designed to address critical aspects such as ownership, conservation, community participation, value addition and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
Importantly, it adopts a holistic approach that integrates environmental sustainability with socio-economic benefits.
The framework also reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to international conventions and regional initiatives, ensuring that conservation efforts are not isolated but part of a broader ecosystem of shared responsibility. In this regard, the policy strengthens Zimbabwe’s position as a leader in wildlife conservation, particularly within Southern Africa, where the country has consistently demonstrated success in growing and managing wildlife populations.
Q: How does the policy transform wildlife ownership and benefit-sharing?
A: One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the policy is the shift from exclusive State ownership of wildlife to a more inclusive and decentralised model that empowers communities and conservancies.
Previously, wildlife was legally vested in the State, with communities benefitting indirectly through initiatives such as the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE).
While CAMPFIRE allowed communities to receive revenue, ownership remained largely in the hands of central authorities through Local Government structures.
The new policy fundamentally changes this dynamic by granting conservancies and communities authority to own wildlife within their jurisdictions, including species they introduce or manage.
This creates a direct link between conservation and economic benefit, incentivising local people to protect and sustainably utilise wildlife resources.
This approach is based on a practical understanding of rural livelihoods. When communities have ownership, they develop a sense of responsibility comparable to how they manage livestock.
This, in turn, strengthens conservation outcomes, as communities become active custodians rather than passive beneficiaries.
The policy also emphasises equitable distribution of benefits, ensuring that revenue generated from wildlife is shared fairly among stakeholders, particularly those living in proximity to wildlife habitats.
Q: In what ways does the policy restore traditional leadership and cultural systems in conservation?
A: A defining feature of the policy is its deliberate integration of Zimbabwe’s traditional governance structures into modern conservation frameworks.
The policy restores authority to chiefs and village heads, recognising their historical role as custodians of land and natural resources.
This is not merely symbolic, but a practical strategy to align conservation efforts with deeply rooted cultural systems that have governed resource management for generations.
Traditionally, chiefs and headmen have enforced rules on land use, protected sacred areas and ensured sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
By embedding these leaders into wildlife governance, the policy strengthens accountability at community level and fosters a sense of ownership that is culturally authentic.
This approach also bridges the gap between statutory law and customary practices, creating a hybrid governance model that is both modern and culturally grounded.
It ensures that conservation is not perceived as an external imposition, but as a continuation of indigenous stewardship principles.
Furthermore, involving traditional leaders enhances community mobilisation, conflict resolution and compliance with conservation regulations, as these leaders command respect and legitimacy within their communities.
Q: How does the policy address human-wildlife conflict and ensure community protection?
A: Human-wildlife conflict remains one of the most pressing challenges in conservation, particularly for communities living near parks and wildlife corridors.
The policy introduces a structured and sustainable response through the establishment of a wildlife conflict management trust fund.
This fund is designed to provide compensation and support to individuals and communities affected by wildlife-related incidents, including injuries, fatalities, crop destruction and livestock losses.
It will also cover associated costs such as medical treatment and emergency response.
The fund will be financed through multiple streams, including Government allocations, carbon credit financing and contributions from international partners.
Crucially, communities themselves will play a central role in shaping how the fund is governed.
Extensive consultations are underway across provinces to gather input on the composition of the board of trustees, operational guidelines and accountability mechanisms.
This participatory approach ensures that the fund reflects the needs and priorities of those it is intended to serve.
In addition to compensation, the policy promotes preventive measures, including improved monitoring systems, use of technology and strengthened collaboration between communities and conservation authorities.
Q: What economic and strategic opportunities does the policy unlock for Zimbabwe?
A: The policy firmly positions wildlife as a viable and strategic economic sector, with significant potential for value addition, industrial growth and job creation.
A key focus area is the development of value chains around wildlife products, particularly leather from species such as crocodiles and elephants.
Zimbabwe is moving away from exporting raw materials towards processing finished goods locally, thereby capturing more value within the country.
International engagements have opened new opportunities for Zimbabwe to process and market its wildlife products competitively.
This shift is expected to stimulate investment, support local industries and create employment across multiple sectors.
Beyond manufacturing, the policy also enhances opportunities in eco-tourism, research and biodiversity-based enterprises.
It encourages innovation in areas such as breeding, conservation technologies and sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
The integration of education and research is another strategic pillar, with plans to incorporate wildlife conservation into school curricula and strengthen collaboration with universities and research institutions.
This will build a knowledge-driven conservation sector capable of adapting to future challenges.
Overall, the policy reinforces Zimbabwe’s standing as a regional and global leader in conservation, building on its strong track record of growing wildlife populations, including elephants and rhinos,
and effectively managing protected areas.
The National Wildlife Policy is a bold reimagining of conservation that places people, culture and economic opportunity at its centre.
By restoring power to chiefs and village heads, and empowering communities with ownership and integrating modern science with traditional knowledge, the policy creates a uniquely Zimbabwean model of conservation, one that is sustainable, inclusive and deeply rooted in the nation’s heritage.
