In a passionate appeal for wildlife conservation, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni, has called on the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to enhance efforts in protecting the nation’s parks for future generations.
At a meeting at ZimParks headquarters, Minister Nyoni stress that these national treasures are vital for national pride and must be safeguarded for future generations, urging a hands-on approach to ensure the survival of key species amid growing environmental challenges.
“National parks are a source of national pride which must be preserved for the benefit of future generations,” Minister Nyoni said.
Minister Nyoni also highlighted the cultural and historical significance of parks like Matobo, which were once celebrated for their natural beauty and spiritual importance.
“I urge the board to work together with management to restore the glory that our parks such as Matobo formerly had.”
She urged the ZimParks board to restore this legacy, stressing the need for proactive management to combat poaching and human-wildlife conflicts. With ambitious goals set for 2025, she called for improved law enforcement and stronger community engagement to foster coexistence between wildlife and local populations.
“I expect the board to be hands-on, and not remote control.”
Zimbabwe is home to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife and national parks, which cover approximately 13 percent of its land. These parks, such as Hwange and Matobo, are vital for biodiversity and play a significant role in the country’s tourism industry. However, they face numerous threats, including poaching, habitat loss, and conflicts with local communities.
The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has been working to address these issues, but the recent call from Minister Nyoni underscores the urgent need for enhanced efforts and collaboration to secure the future of the nation’s wildlife.
