Harare –04 March 2024 – On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) calls on the government, local authorities, the private sector and all relevant stakeholders for urgent action to safeguard our nation’s valuable wildlife and ecosystems. This year’s theme, “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” recognizes the impact of digital interventions on ecosystems and communities in an increasingly connected world.
The world is facing an unprecedented crisis in biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. From deforestation and habitat destruction to illegal wildlife trade and climate change, human activities continue to pose significant threats to our planet’s fragile ecosystems and the diverse species that inhabit them. We also note with grave concern the negative effects of mining activities on ecosystems that support wildlife.
The consequences of these threats are far-reaching. They not only jeopardize the survival of iconic species but also disrupt vital ecosystem services, such as pollination, soil fertility, and water purification, which are essential for healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.
Zimbabwe is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including iconic species such as elephants, rhinos, and lions. However, the illegal trade in wildlife products, driven by international demand for ivory, rhino horn, and other animal parts, has reached alarming levels. Poaching syndicates operate with impunity, exploiting weak law enforcement and corrupt practices by state-embedded actors and merchants of transnational organized crime, further exacerbating the crisis.
The consequences of illegal wildlife poaching are devastating. The loss of key species disrupts delicate ecosystems, affects biodiversity balance, and diminishes tourism revenues, which are crucial for Zimbabwe’s economy. Additionally, local communities that rely on wildlife-based tourism and sustainable natural resource management suffer economic hardships, exacerbating poverty and social instability.
Unethical practices such as trophy hunting are also a threat to wildlife conservation. There is no justification, whatsoever, for killing animals for fun, or as part of sport. Tourism is a potential $20 billion economy if the country has the right policies, practices and infrastructure that attract tourists.
CNRG therefore calls for the urgent need for effective and inclusive governance frameworks that prioritize conservation, sustainability, and social justice. We call upon the government and stakeholders to take the following actions:
- Strengthen Legislative and Policy Frameworks: The Government of Zimbabwe must enact and enforce robust legislation and policies that protect wildlife habitats, regulate extractive industries, and combat illegal wildlife trade. These frameworks should promote sustainable practices and ensure equitable distribution of benefits derived from natural resources.
- Enhance Wildlife Protection and Anti-Trafficking Measures: The GoZ should allocate adequate resources to strengthen wildlife protection efforts, including anti-poaching measures and the dismantling of illegal wildlife trade networks. International cooperation is essential in combating transnational wildlife crime.
- Stop Trophy Hunting: GoZ should ban trophy hunting and take leadership in campaigning against the practice on the African continent. Trophy hunting has the potential of agitating wild animals and exacerbating human-wildlife conflict.
- Promote Sustainable Land Use Practices: The GoZ must encourage the adoption of sustainable land use practices, such as reforestation, habitat restoration, and sustainable agriculture, which respect the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples.
- Foster Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The Government, INGOs, CSOs, business, academia, and communities should collaborate to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in wildlife conservation. This collaboration will enable more effective and informed decision-making processes.
On this World Wildlife Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting the precious natural resources that sustain life on Earth. By working together and taking immediate action, we can ensure a sustainable future for our planet and all its inhabitants.
For more details, please contact.
Centre for Natural Resource Governance
CNRG Information Department,
Email info@cnrgzim.org
Cell +263 779 078 873
Twitter: @CNRG_ZIM
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Website: https://cnrgzim.org/