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SOS for sanctions riddled parks authority

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WHILE much has been said and indignation expressed over the poisoning and continued wanton killing of animals including endangered species in game parks around the country, not enough has been said about the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority lack of resources.
The authority has not been spared by the effects of the illegal economic sanctions imposed against the country by the European Union (EU) and United States.
As a result of the illegal embargoes, the number of tourists visiting the country declined and the coffers of the authority, which is in charge of the country’s national parks dwindled.
The recent loss of many elephants at Hwange National Park due to poisoning clearly showed the inadequacy currently bedevilling the authority.
It is heartening that many have now decided to join the fight against poachers and conserve Zimbabwe’s God-given heritage.
For instance, the chipping in by the private sector, such as Mbada Diamonds through the donation of 4X4 vehicles, is a welcome relief.
Considering that Hwange National Park, established in 1929, is the country’s largest wildlife habitat covering about 14 650 square kilometres, the all-weather terrain vehicles will boost operations.
The park is home to 115 species of mammal and 400 bird species and has the second largest animal population in the world after the Chobe in Botswana.
What makes support of the authority critical is the fact that the effects of the losses incurred are far reaching.
For example, the poisoning of water holes in a bid to kill elephants resulted in the loss of many other animals such as warthogs, hippos, ostriches, giraffes, crocodiles, zebras and baboons as well as birds.
Speaking during the handover of five Land Rovers by Mbada Diamonds to the parks authority, Deputy Minister for Environment, Water and Climate, Simon Musanhu said everyone had a responsibility to care for the environment.
“It is our collective responsibility as a nation to sustainably utilise our natural resources and embrace environmental stewardship,” said Musanhu.
“The donation of these vehicles comes at a time when our efforts to lobby for stiffer penalties are bearing fruit.
“My ministry will continuously engage the judiciary so that deterrent sentences are given in all wildlife cases that are brought before the courts country-wide.”
Handing over the vehicles valued at US$57 500 each, Mbada Diamonds’s chief administration officer Major Mahlangu said the donation was aimed at making communities safer and free of poachers.
“We are donating five vehicles out of 20 for the anti-poaching exercise because we need to create an environment which is safe,” he said.
“We will be organising a fund-raising dinner scheduled for the first week of November where we will unveil other strategies of how we wish to conserve our environment.”
Parks and Wildlife Management Authority board member, Jerry Gotora said for conservation to succeed, stakeholders had to increasingly cooperate adding that the vehicles will be fully utilised.
“Conservation is not an easy task,” Gotora said.
“No one can do it alone except if we come together.
“We need the participation of the whole nation and I must say these vehicles will be put to their intended use.”
To effectively patrol the gigantic park at least a 100 vehicles are required.
Meanwhile, the authority commended its game-rangers for continued dedication to duty despite the myriad challenges faced in day-to-day operations.
Parks and Wildlife Management Authority public relations manager Caroline Washaya-Moyo said the recent new method of poaching, poisoning, had not dampened the spirit of the rangers, but had left them more determined to stamp out the scourge.
“The desire to carry out anti-poaching activities and to detox Hwange National Park has been boosted by the Authority’s stakeholders who continue to work with parks in countering illegal activities in the area,” Washaya-Moyo said.
“There has been an over-whelming response to the authority’s call for former employees to re-join.
“Not only have former employees expressed interest, but the army, the police and the general public also want to assist,” she said.
Washaya-Moyo expressed gratitude to the judiciary for expeditiously handling poaching cases and passing deterrent sentences.
Some of the poachers involved in the poisoning of elephants at Hwange National Park are already serving lengthy prison sentences.
“The Parks and Wildlife Management Authority will continue to engage the judiciary and call for stiffer penalties in all wildlife cases so that the country’s conservation efforts are brought back on track,” said Washaya-Moyo.
“Anti-poaching efforts must be complimented by deterrent sentences.”

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