Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve,Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Government is rolling out a multi-faceted strategy to combat the illicit trade in natural resources and associated financial flows, which continue to pose a significant threat to the nation’s biodiversity, economy, and social stability.
This was revealed by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, during a high-level segment of the GONAT Project Training and Policy Dialogue held in Victoria Falls on Friday.
Minister Ndlovu outlined the severe challenges stemming from illegal activities within the sectors he oversees.
“Zimbabwe is richly endowed with natural resources and under my purview I oversee wildlife and forest resources.
The purported illegal trade in wildlife, forestry resources and other valuable natural assets threatens ecosystems, undermines sustainable development, causes loss of biodiversity and deprives the nation of critical revenue,” said Dr Ndlovu.
She said the environmental consequences are particularly dire.
“Illegal logging, and wildlife poaching often bypass environmental safeguards, resulting in deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity,” he said.
Beyond ecological damage, the economic impact is profound, with the Government losing significant income due to unregulated extraction and export of timber and wildlife, which in turn impacts national development and conservation funding.
Iconic species such as elephants and rhinos remain under severe threat from poaching for their ivory and horns, disrupting the delicate ecological balance.
Furthermore, the illicit trade has deep-seated social ramifications.
“Illicit trade fuels corruption, undermines the rule of law, and often involves organized criminal networks, exacerbating poverty and inequality in affected communities,” said Dr Ndlovu.
She said this criminal activity also risks tarnishing Zimbabwe’s international reputation, potentially affecting foreign investment and vital international cooperation on conservation efforts.
In response to these pervasive challenges, the Government is implementing a robust package of policy measures designed to strengthen enforcement, promote sustainability, and foster cooperation.
A cornerstone of this effort is the strengthening of legislation.
Dr NdlovuIt confirmed that her Ministry is amending and enforcing laws such as the Parks and Wildlife Act and the Environmental Management Act to increase penalties for illegal activities and strengthen enforcement.
A specific focus is on enforcing the polluter pays principle through an amendment to Statutory Instrument 188, which is being finalised by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Attorney General’s office.
In a significant step towards judicial effectiveness, the Ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is developing an Environmental Crimes Manual.
Dr Ndlovu said the manual is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for the prevention, detection, and prosecution of environmental offenses in Zimbabwe.
This initiative aims to equip prosecutors to deliver appropriate judgements and supports the establishment of specialised environmental courts.
Reforestation is another critical pillar of the Government’s strategy.
Dr Ndlovu detailed a mandatory tree planting program for tobacco farmers.
“Every Tobacco farmer must establish 0.3 ha of tobacco woodlands for every tobacco planted,” she said.
This initiative, championed by the Forestry Commission and supported by tobacco merchants through the Sustainable Afforestation Association, is complemented by a diplomatic indigenous tree planting program.
The Government is also enhancing its operational capacity.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the Environmental Management Agency and the Zimbabwe Republic
Police have established a National Environmental Law Enforcement Unit.
“This has seen the secondment of fifteen (15) Police officers stationed at Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Bluffhill to assist with environmental inspections and prosecuting offenders,” she said.
Community engagement is central to creating sustainable alternatives.
The Ministry is actively promoting community-based natural resource management to empower local populations to protect wildlife and forests, thereby developing alternative income sources to reduce dependence on illegal trade.
On the international front, Zimbabwe is deepening its collaboration through participation in conventions like CITES, CBD, CMS, and Ramsar, and is strengthening regional cooperation to combat cross-border smuggling.
“We join forces with neighbouring countries to enforce policy and jointly monitor our resources through concepts like the Transfrontier Conservation Area,” she said.
