ZimParks, Defend sign MoU on wildlife protection

Ivan Zhakata in Chizarira National Park

ZIMBABWE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Defend, a national parks rescue organisation, to ensure wildlife conservation at Chizarira National Park.

The MoU also seeks to ensure that Chizarira National Park benefit present and future generations.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, ZimParks director-general Dr Fulton Mangwanya said ZimParks and Defend aim to elevate Chizarira National Park into a beacon of biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism, showcasing both its scenery and rich cultural heritage.

“Our goal is to position Chizarira National Park as a leader among national parks in the Sebungwe Region, Zimbabwe, and within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA),” he said.

“As we embark on this journey, we are guided by the vision of our country and ZimParks. Despite the dynamic challenges we face in conservation, including habitat loss, poaching, veld fires, invasive species, and the limited opportunities for local communities to benefit from our wildlife heritage, we can achieve more by leveraging our God-given resources and diverse expertise.

RELATED

“Together we can enhance the conservation value of this park while meaningfully improving the livelihoods of the communities living around it. This MoU, a testament to our shared commitment, will be in effect for the next 20 years, symbolising an enduring pledge to collaboration.”

Defend executive director Dr Niall McCann said Zimbabwe’s success in conserving its wildlife, with all of the ecosystem services and tourism benefits, bring increased management costs and human-wildlife conflict.

“Through the creation of Conservation Trusts, Zimbabwe has developed a model that can attract extra resources into conservation. The extra resources are required to protect the growing populations of animals and the communities that live alongside them,” he said.