Zimbabwe’s Vice President Kembo Mohadi is in Kenya to participate in the United Nations Summit on Wildlife Conservation, which is being held from February 28 to March 2, 2024. The summit, which is hosted by the Kenyan government and the UN Environment Program (UNEP), aims to address the threats and challenges facing wildlife and biodiversity, and to mobilize global action and resources to protect them.
The summit brings together heads of state and government, ministers, experts, civil society, private sector, and indigenous and local communities, to discuss and agree on a set of commitments and actions to conserve wildlife and ecosystems, and to promote sustainable development and human well-being.
Some of the key issues on the agenda include combating wildlife trafficking and poaching, enhancing law enforcement and governance, strengthening community-based conservation, promoting ecotourism and livelihoods, and integrating wildlife and biodiversity into national and international policies and frameworks.
VP Mohadi, who is representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is expected to deliver a statement on Zimbabwe’s efforts and achievements in wildlife conservation, as well as its challenges and needs. He is also expected to meet with other leaders and stakeholders, and to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnership.
Zimbabwe is home to some of the most diverse and iconic wildlife species in the world, such as elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. It is also part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), which is the largest conservation area in Africa, spanning five countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
However, Zimbabwe’s wildlife is also facing serious threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and illegal trade. According to the latest report by UNEP, Zimbabwe lost 53% of its elephant population between 2007 and 2019, mainly due to poaching and drought. The report also warned that more than one million species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction globally, unless urgent action is taken.
VP Mohadi said that Zimbabwe is committed to conserving its wildlife and biodiversity, as they are vital for the country’s economy, culture, and identity. He said that Zimbabwe is implementing various initiatives and programs to protect and manage its wildlife resources, such as the National Elephant Management Plan, the Community Areas Management Program for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE), and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA).
He also said that Zimbabwe is seeking more support and collaboration from the international community, especially in terms of funding, technology, capacity building, and market access. He said that Zimbabwe is ready to share its experiences and best practices with other countries, and to learn from them as well.
“We are proud of our wildlife and biodiversity, and we are determined to preserve them for the present and future generations. We are also aware of the challenges and responsibilities that come with this. We cannot do it alone. We need the support and partnership of the global community. We hope that this summit will provide a platform for dialogue, action, and solidarity, for the sake of our wildlife and our planet,” VP Mohadi said.
Source: The Herald
