Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society are convening a high-level conference titled “The Elephant in the Room” to address critical issues surrounding elephant management, human–wildlife conflict and ecological balance.
Speaking ahead of the event that starts today in Harare, Mr Hugo van der Westhuizen, Conservation Director for Zimbabwe and Mozambique at FZS said the meeting seeks to promote an open and evidence-based dialogue on elephant conservation.
“This conference is about creating space for honest and informed conversations,” said Mr van der Westhuizen yesterday.
“Elephants are integral to our ecosystems and identity, but they also bring significant challenges that affect both people and the environment. We want to look at all sides of the issue, guided by science and practical experience.”
The two-day conference builds on nearly 20 years of partnership between ZimParks and the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
The collaboration has led to a massive reduction in elephant poaching and has produced crucial data on human–wildlife conflict and ecological changes, particularly in Gonarezhou National Park.
Day One will focus on presenting field research and data from Gonarezhou and other regions facing similar conservation challenges.
Day Two will be dedicated to open discussions aimed at producing actionable recommendations for the future.
Mr van der Westhuizen said one of the key discussion points was the often-misunderstood concept of carrying capacity — the balance between available natural resources and wildlife populations.
“Carrying capacity is not a fixed number. It changes with rainfall and resource availability.
“While Gonarezhou’s carrying capacity may once have seemed exceeded, the creation of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park has expanded the available range and resources. In that broader context, we are still within sustainable limits,” he said.
Mr van der Westhuizen said the conference title, “The Elephant in the Room,” reflected the need to openly address sensitive topics, including elephant culling which has historically divided opinion among conservationists and communities.
“We are not pushing any agenda. This is about fostering a mature, evidence-based conversation that includes the voices of scientists, policymakers and local communities,” he said.
Although planned as a once-off event, Mr van der Westhuizen said the conference could pave the way for a regular platform for dialogue and collaboration between conservation stakeholders in the region.
“This might be the beginning of a continuous forum for cooperation,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that conservation decisions are guided by data, transparency and community involvement.”
The Elephant in the Room conference forms part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation under the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park Treaty, signed in 2002, which links conservation areas in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa to promote sustainable wildlife management across borders.
