US$50m cash boost for ZimParks to fight poaching
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is committing to preserving the Hwange National Park, following a US$50 million partnership for anti-poaching initiatives.
The initiatives are meant to safeguard the diverse wildlife found within its borders.
Hwange National Park stands as Zimbabwe’s largest and most cherished protected area, spreading over 14,600 square kilometers.
Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, the park houses over 100 mammal species, including elephants, lions, cheetahs and endangered black rhinos.
With an unwavering commitment to conservation, IFAW has emerged as a prominent force, striving to protect and preserve the delicate balance of nature in this incredible sanctuary.
Early this year, IFAW signed a US$50 million 25-year partnership with the Zimbabwe Parks and National Wildlife Management that will enhance anti-poaching activities and capacitate ranger services.
Jimmiel Mandima, IFAW’s vice president for global programmes and institutional fundraising, said the organisation strongly believes in the power of community engagement and recognises that active local involvement is vital for successful conservation efforts.
“There are plans to engage community leaders in an effort to create corridors for animals to move freely to water sources without clashing with people,” he said in an interview.
“We are looking at improving the welfare of rangers through building ranger houses, equipping Zimparks for research, reducing conflict in communities and creating zones where wildlife and people are safe and co-exist.”
Mandima added that IFAW seeks to establish sustainable water provision during the 25 years of the agreement.
“We are hoping to improve wildlife management in Hwange National Park. At the moment animals move in search of food and water and in the process there is conflict with communities.
“We are therefore trying to collectively create what we call room-to-roam for elephants and other species to be able to move in search of water and the only way to do so is to negotiate with landowners being chiefs, headmen, private landowners and Government to restore areas that can possibly be habitat for wildlife,” he said.
By collaborating closely with nearby communities, IFAW has established sustainable livelihood programmes that provide alternative sources of income and promote environmental awareness.
Such initiatives aim to minimise human-wildlife conflict, ensuring peaceful coexistence between communities and the spectacular creatures they share their habitat with.
IFAW has also implemented a comprehensive rescue and rehabilitation programme within Hwange National Park. This specialised unit provides critical care to injured, orphaned, or distressed animals, nurse them back to health, and gradually reintroduces them into their natural habitat.
Such efforts have resulted in countless success stories, giving a second chance at life to various species that would otherwise face an uncertain future.
-ebusinessweekly
