Story by Memory Chamisa
The Zimbabwean government has emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to address human-wildlife conflict, particularly in areas surrounding national parks.
Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni, has announced new appointments to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) board, tasking them with conserving Zimbabwe’s wildlife sustainably and beneficially.
“We fully understand the role of wildlife in the national economy and the conservation challenges we face as a country. We are committed to implement all Government programmes consistent with the country’s National Development Strategy 1, Vision 2030 and other government directives in a timely manner. The country still faces challenges of human wildlife conflict largely due to huge population levels and limited knowledge in our communities on how to deal with dangerous animals. All this is being addressed technically by our officers in the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) through massive community education programmes and capacity building programmes for our staff who deal with such issues,” she said.
ZimParks Board Chairperson Dr Agrippa Sora acknowledged the task at hand.
“It is our responsibility as government and all the stakeholders to educate the public on conservation human wildlife conflict, the significance and how to protect the same. The human wildlife conflict fund has been penned down as one of the key areas that we need to work on to ensure those affected are compensated. But also, education is needed to communities living adjacent to National Parks to end they’re are aware of what to do when faced with such situations. We welcome the new board members and look forward to work together in ensuring both humans and wildlife benefit from our country’s biodiversity,” said Dr Sora.
The newly appointed board members include General Sibangumuzi Khumalo, Mr Lesley Ncube, Ms Mary Mliswa and Ms Cecilia Ndubiwa.
These appointments coincide with the Ministry’s efforts to establish a Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund, providing relief to individuals injured or affected by wildlife. The fund aims to support families who have lost loved ones to wildlife encounters and provide assistance to those injured.
