Sidumisile Mabena
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority has called for the strengthening of political will and investment in technology in order to successfully fight the well-coordinated wildlife crime in the country.
The Authority says Wildlife crime is a lucrative business running into billions of dollars in net profits annually and well-coordinated local or international criminal syndicates run it, and as such, fighting it must be met with equal ammunition in human, material and financial form.
Speaking at a two-day multi-stakeholder engagement workshop on challenges in the investigation, prosecution and adjudication of environmental cases, with a particular focus in the Matabeleland region that was organized by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) last week,
Zimparks wildlife crime Chief investigator, Mr Everisto Simayo said Zimbabwe like any other country is endowed with flora and fauna and as such has not been spared from the rampant poaching, illegal wildlife trade and other forms of vice perpetrated by the well organised criminal syndicates, in the process losing millions of dollars through wanton destruction of its flora and fauna.
“ZimParks continues to lobby for strengthening of political will, enhancing stakeholder involvement, improving technology through the use of drones, cameras, police dogs (K9s) and collaborating with conservation partners,” said Mr Simayo.
Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is a parastatal established by the Parks and Wildlife Act, Chapter 20:14 of 1996. It operates country-wide with a generally decentralised operational structure. It has eight operational regions, including the North West Matabeleland and Matopo Regions in Matabeleland. It is the custodian of all wildlife heritage in Zimbabwe whether on State or private land.
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