ZimParks bolsters human-wildlife conflict management efforts

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has stepped up efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts within protected areas through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The MoU, signed in Harare, marks a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s wildlife conservation and sustainable management initiatives.

ZimParks director-general, Dr Fulton Mangwanya said there is need for sustainable strategies in managing human-wildlife conflicts.

“Together with IUCN, we will develop and implement integrated strategies to manage human-wildlife conflicts holistically and sustainably at national level,” Dr Mangwanya said.

“By recognising and reporting other effective area-based conservation measures, we aim to broaden our conservation efforts and enhance connectivity between protected areas.”

IUCN regional head for Biodiversity Conservation, Mr Leo Niskanen underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing the complex challenge of biodiversity loss.

“This MoU defines our framework for collaboration and provides the mechanisms to fulfill our conservation commitments,” he said.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) expressed their support for the partnership and said it has the potential to promote conservation in Zimbabwe and beyond.