Professor Edson Gandiwa, ZimParks Director General
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) First International Conservation Symposium which was recently held in Harare, marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to safeguard the country’s natural heritage.
This was revealed by ZimParks Director General, Professor Edson Gandiwa, at the two-day symposium which was held under the theme: “Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Development.”
“The two-day symposium marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to safeguard our natural heritage.
“The symposium is also covering eight critical areas, that is the Wildlife Conservation and Transboundary Management, Freshwater, Fisheries and Aquatic Management, Sustainable Tourism and Socio-economic development, Human Wildlife Interactions, Environmental Health and Safety, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Community Based Natural Resources Management, Natural Resources Policy and Governance.
“Each thematic area presents an opportunity for collaboration, innovation, and action,” said Prof Gandiwa.
Prof Gandiwa added that the “symposium presents a unique opportunity for us to strengthen our research, share knowledge, and foster partnerships.
“By bringing together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from various sectors, we can develop innovative solutions grounded in scientific evidence and tailored to our specific challenges.”
He also revealed that wildlife conservation is a vital component of sustainable development as the health of our ecosystems directly influences community livelihoods, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity.
“By addressing Climate Change adaptation and mitigation, we are ensuring the resilience of our communities against environmental shifts that threaten their very existence.
“Sustainable tourism is a powerful tool that can foster economic growth while preserving our natural resources for future generations.
“It is essential that we implement best practices in Sustainable Freshwater and Fisheries Management to maintain the balance of our ecosystems.
“The interconnectedness of human, wildlife, and environmental health cannot be overstated.
“Therefore, it is necessary that we adopt a holistic approach to our conservation efforts.”
Prof Gandiwa added that Community-Based Natural Resources Management stands at the forefront of successful conservation strategies.
He added that engaging local communities ensures that they are not only beneficiaries of the conservation initiatives but also active participants in the stewardship of their natural resources.
“This inclusive approach empowers communities and instils a sense of ownership.
“Transboundary Natural Resources Conservation is another critical aspect of our work.
“Wildlife knows no borders, and our efforts must extend beyond our national boundaries to ensure the survival of species and ecosystems.
“Zimbabwe takes pride in the six Transfrontier Conservation Areas which are a testament to regional cooperation.
“Through this initiative, we have witnessed remarkable successes, and we will continue to implement it in line with the SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement of 1999.
“Let’s build on them to secure the future of migratory species and shared ecosystems.
“The importance of robust Policy, Governance, and Advocacy for Wildlife cannot be overlooked we need to create a conducive environment for wildlife conservation to thrive. “We must advocate for policies that not only protect our wildlife but also promote sustainable practices that benefit all sectors of society,” he added.
The main purpose of the inaugural ZimParks International Wildlife Conservation Symposium was to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and networking among experts in biodiversity conservation, climate change, sustainable tourism, transboundary resource management, and related fields.
The symposium aimed to explore current trends, challenges, and opportunities in environmental conservation, and to showcase innovative technologies and community-based solutions for sustainable development.
The symposium aimed to:
•Serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and deepening understanding of the link between wildlife conservation and sustainable development.
•Foster regional collaboration, especially in managing shared ecosystems like the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Trans-Frontier Conservation Area.
•Develop strategies for water and fisheries management, sustainable tourism, and community-based conservation.
•Strengthen legal frameworks, promote innovative financing, and improve transparency in wildlife management.
•Elevate community and youth voices, ensuring local ownership and long-term project success.
By hosting this international event, Zimbabwe—through ZimParks—reinforced its leadership in African conservation.
The symposium:
•Positions Zimbabwe as a key player in regional conservation, especially within the KAZA area.
•Aligns national efforts with global sustainability goals, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
•Demonstrates Zimbabwe’s commitment to mainstreaming biodiversity and integrating conservation with economic and social development.
•Attracts international partnerships and funding, and showcases successful models like CAMPFIRE and regulated trophy hunting as tools for both conservation and community benefit.
Several countries, mainly from the SADC region—including South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana registered to participate.
And over 100 participants registered for the symposium.
ZimParks used the symposium to:
•Showcase people-centric conservation models, such as CAMPFIRE, which channels revenue from regulated trophy hunting into community infrastructure and services.
•Highlight conflict mitigation initiatives, like predator-proof enclosures and support for students in wildlife areas.
•Promote regional collaboration through joint patrols and intelligence-sharing with neighbouring countries.
•Present innovative governance and financing models, including the use of advanced technologies like Earth Ranger and SMART tools for effective conservation management.
•Attract international investment and partnerships such as the existing relationships with IFAW, African Parks, Peace Parks and the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
