BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), has received 10 Isuzu 4×4 off-road terrain operation vehicles from Umlando, a wildlife conservation company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the UAE Embassy.
In his acceptance speech of the vehicles, ZimParks Director General Professor Edson Gandiwa said the act of support signals a new level of unquestionable commitment and commencement of a strategic partnership between the authority and Umlando.
He added that the support also strives to contribute towards the attainment of their shared objectives that relate to sustainable conservation of Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage.
“It is very important to note that this nature of support in strategic partnership is coming at a time when the authority, just like many organisations in Zimbabwe and beyond, are still recovering from the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic and also recently the El Nino-induced drought.
“So these challenges always impact negatively on how we operate and it is important that we are receiving such resources today.
“And these resources we are receiving today, these vehicles, we hope in our conservation mandate and also to make sure that we implement our Zimbabwe Five-Phase Strategic Plan and also ensuring that we contribute to the National Development Agenda, that is the National Development Strategy, and ultimately contribute to the attainment of Vision 2030 that aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society by 2030,” said Professor Gandiwa.
He added that the vehicles are a significant shot in the arm to improve the quality of life for ZimParks staff and also to enhance service delivery to the nation.
“There is nothing more frustrating for a manager or an officer with all the energy and all the zeal to be on the ground and get the job done but at times lacks the requisite tools of trade.
“We are still at times spending more time trying to service a vehicle rather than being in the field.
“So this would impact negatively when we don’t have the requisite resources on our patrolling efforts in terms of our administration and also how we reach to communities and respond to those that are in need even to address issues of human-wildlife conflict.
“These resources we are receiving today will enable our coverage in terms of our conservation efforts and also our reach to communities and ultimately help us in implementing our strategic plan to ensure that we address environmental challenges and also even emerging conservation issues.”
UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Jassim Mohammed Al Qasimi said, “these vehicles symbolize more than just a material gift, they represent our shared vision for the conservation of Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
“The UAE is deeply committed to environmental protection and recognizes the vital role that ZimParks require not only dedication and hard work but also the right tools and resources.”
