Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
THE International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) are celebrating five years of collaborative initiatives focused on wildlife protection and sustainable livelihoods.
This partnership, established in 2019, has yielded significant results, including strengthened law enforcement, enhanced habitat management and community empowerment.
The partnership is backed by an investment exceeding US$10 million, which has facilitated improved infrastructure, boosted tourism development and promoted coexistence between humans and wildlife.
At an engagement in Harare on Sunday, IFAW president Mr Azzedine Downes emphasised Zimbabwe’s role as a global example in wildlife management.
He stated that elephants live for a very long time, often 50 to 70 years, so a five-year agreement is just the beginning of what it takes to save their lives.
Mr Downes noted that while the focus is on elephants, conservation efforts benefit a wide range of wildlife.
He highlighted the importance of wildlife conservation as essential not only for preserving nature but also for maintaining harmonious human relationships with the environment.
“Protecting Zimbabwe’s majestic wildlife is not just about preserving the beauty of our natural world, it is also a matter of human relationship with nature, safety and security.
“We believe that by supporting the efforts of Zimparks and engaging with local communities, we can reduce human-wildlife conflict and foster a spirit of coexistence between people and animals,” said Mr Downes.
IFAW global board chairperson Mr Mark Boudwin expressed heartfelt gratitude towards their partners in Zimbabwe.
He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to hands-on conservation efforts.
Mr Boudwin added that board members had travelled from afar for the event because they believe in being actively involved in conservation initiatives.
Zimparks director general Professor Edson Gandiwa announced a substantial commitment of US$50 million to invest in the landscape over the next 25 years.
Key milestones achieved during this partnership include the Makona Ranger Station, a US$500 000 facility housing 25 rangers and their families.
It also includes Matetsi Semi-Detached Houses, two houses accommodating four families each, valued at US$65 000.
Further, there is a one-stop access pavilion, a US$1,4 million project in Hwange National Park aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and positioning Hwange as a leading tourist destination within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA).
The IFAW-Zimparks partnership exemplifies a successful model for wildlife conservation and community development in Zimbabwe.
It demonstrates the critical link between protecting wildlife and supporting local communities.
