ZimParks Strengthens Transfrontier Conservation Efforts

By Enia Dube

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks)  convened a strategic stakeholder meeting in Chiredzi  to review progress and enhance the implementation of the country’s Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) today.

This initiative underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and fostering regional cooperation through collaborative conservation efforts.

Zimbabwe is home to six TFCAs, namely Chimanimani, Great Limpopo, Greater Mapungubwe, Kavango-Zambezi, Lower Zambezi–Mana Pools, and ZIMOZA. These cross-border ecological zones are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, promoting sustainable tourism, and supporting local communities.

The meeting aimed to assess the current state of TFCA implementation, identify challenges, and explore opportunities for strengthening collaboration among stakeholders. By working together, ZimParks and its partners can more effectively address pressing issues such as human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and climate change.

“Collaboration is key to addressing the complex challenges facing our TFCAs,” said Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, Director-General of ZimParks. “We are committed to working with our stakeholders to ensure the long-term conservation of our natural heritage and the benefits it provides to our communities”.

The TFCAs play a vital role in promoting regional cooperation and economic development. By managing these areas jointly with neighboring countries, Zimbabwe can enhance conservation outcomes, improve tourism opportunities, and support local livelihoods.

ZimParks’ efforts to strengthen TFCA implementation are aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainable environmental management and wildlife conservation.

The authority’s commitment to people-centered conservation approaches, such as the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE), demonstrates its dedication to empowering local communities and promoting coexistence with wildlife.