Raphael Tayerera Faranisi
Leonard Ncube, Online Reporter
A CONSORTIUM of partners with expertise in wildlife conservation and food security is spearheading a conservation and sustainable use of wildlife in forest, savannah and wetland ecosystems programme in Binga with the aim of improving livelihoods.
The Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme (SWMP) is a seven-year (2018-2024) international initiative being implemented by a dynamic consortium of partners that include the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The European Union is the funding partner having poured US$5,5 million to improve the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife in forest, savannah and wetland ecosystems.
In Binga the programme is being implemented in Mucheni Conservancy covering wards 3, 4 and 5 which is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA).
The Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Ambassador Raphael Tayerera Faranisi recently visited the conservancy to assess progress and achievements of the SWMP.
He was accompanied by a delegation of parastatals falling under his Ministry namely Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Environmental Management Agency, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Forestry Commission.
Various water, social services and livestock projects have been initiated to sustain livelihoods in the community.
Zimbabwe is endowed with flora and fauna making it a well sought after destination for conservation and tourism, and the project is also a very important component as it protects species by ensuring their survival and to educate people about how they can live in harmony with other species sustainably.
Through the project, a social centre and boreholes were rehabilitated and installed with solar system to service clinics, schools and business centres in the targeted communities of Mucheni, Chilamba, Makondo, Nsenga and at campsites.
Villagers also received improved breeds of goats which have improved not only the quality but also the herd.
In some communities bee keeping projects were started.
Several other capacity building initiatives and trainings were implemented where some community members have been trained in resource monitoring.
More than 100 different animal species were introduced to Muchesu Conservancy.
As a strategy to further address human and wildlife conflict, the project also established 15 farmer field schools across the three wards in collaboration with Agritex to demonstrate agroecology and mitigation tools at s tome when conflict with wildlife is prevalent in communities near game parks.
Ambassador Faranisi applauded the communities for spearheading the projects and co-existing with wildlife.
He encouraged the community to continue taking good care of their natural resources as they play an important role in people’s lives and are essential to the world’s economic, social and environmental well-being.
FAO Country Representative Dr John Patrice Talla also applauded the community for the good work they were doing in protecting wildlife.
European Union SWM Programme Manager Mr Louis de Toures commended the good efforts being done by Zimbabwe in sustaining wildlife conservation as he reiterated EU commitment to continue funding the project until 2029.
Binga Rural District ward 4 Councillor Elmon Mudenda appreciated the SWM Programme for the generous support in the community.