Online Reporter
Emmanuel Kafe
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) is seeking urgent Government intervention on the signing of key transnational conservation treaties, potential commercial disposal of its huge ivory stockpile, and the growing problem of land encroachment into protected areas.
These appeals were made by Zimparks chairman Dr Agrippa Sora during a board meeting with the newly appointed Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu.
Dr Sora said his board stands ready to work closely with the ministry on conservation efforts, fundraising, partnerships, inter-agency cooperation, and a review of conservation laws.
“We also welcome the minister’s call for inter-agency cooperation,” he said.
“We believe that a coordinated approach to conservation is essential for achieving our goals, and we look forward to working closely with other government agencies and stakeholders.
“The Minister’s directive to conduct a comprehensive review of our conservation laws and policies is well-taken.
“We will work diligently to identify areas for improvement and develop recommendations for strengthening our legislative and policy framework.”
Top on the agenda of the meeting were the treaties establishing the Greater Mapungubwe TFCA and the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools TFCA, both slated for signing before the end of this month, during the SADC TFCA Summit.
Dr Sora stressed the need to expedite all pending clearances for these treaties to be finalised in time.
He raised the potential to participate in the carbon credit market, noting its potential to unlock crucial funding for conservation and community projects, especially given potential funding withdrawals.
“There is need for policy provision and interim measures to enable agencies such as Zimparks and Forestry Commission to engage in carbon credit projects to unlock the potential, following principles already stated in our blueprint, the Zimbabwe Biodiversity Strategy, as the guiding framework,” Dr Sora said.
“The current policy framework does not benefit conservation and communities.”
He also said there was a potential for commercial disposal of Zimparks’ 130-tonne ivory stockpile which can generate substantial revenue for conservation initiatives.
“Revenue generated from ivory sales can create sustainable incentives for communities to conserve elephants and habitats,” Dr Sora said.
“There is no decision-making mechanism under CITES and legal provisions for ivory trade and currently, all markets — China and Japan — are closed.”
Dr Sora appealed to the Government to advocate for a unified African approach to lobbying for ivory sales at the African Union Heads of States level and suggested diplomatic engagements with opposing nations.
The persistent challenge of land encroachment by local authorities for settlements was also brought to the minister’s attention, with Dr Sora requesting an executive order against such activities in protected areas and gazetted wildlife corridors.
The board also appealed for duty-free status on donated conservation equipment and for permission to charge fees in the currency received from tourism activities to improve financial sustainability.
