Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) Director-General Professor Edson Gandiwa was recently honoured with the Most Inspiring Conservation Leader Protecting Africa’s Wildlife Award at the 2026 Global Impact Leaders Summit and Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa, on August 29.
The award recognises Prof Gandiwa’s leadership and contribution to wildlife conservation, particularly efforts to promote co-existence between communities and wildlife.
In a statement, ZimParks said the recognition was not only a personal achievement for Prof Gandiwa but also an acknowledgement of Zimbabwe’s broader conservation efforts.
“The award goes beyond an individual. It is an affirmation of the leadership, dedication and collective effort behind wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe,” read the statement.
ZimParks said the international recognition demonstrated growing appreciation of Zimbabwe’s role in wildlife conservation beyond its borders.
“The award signifies that our conservation efforts are being appreciated and recognised beyond our borders. It demonstrates that Zimbabwe has an important voice and role in shaping the future of conservation in Africa,” read the statement.
Prof Gandiwa’s recognition comes as Zimbabwe continues to advance wildlife conservation and management initiatives aimed at protecting the country’s rich biodiversity while addressing challenges associated with human-wildlife co-existence.
ZimParks said the award reflected the collective work being undertaken by conservation stakeholders to safeguard Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage.
