By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
HARARE – In a critical step towards bolstering its conservation efforts, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) today hosted a pivotal stakeholder meeting at its Head Office in Harare.
The gathering aimed to consolidate national positions and strategies in anticipation of two major international conferences later this year: the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) in Uzbekistan, and the 9th Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA MoP9) in Botswana.
The comprehensive “Concept Note” guiding the discussions highlighted Zimbabwe’s commitment to both controlling international trade in endangered species and facilitating sustainable use, particularly of its abundant wildlife resources.
A key focus for CITES CoP20 preparations is advocating for the inclusion of rural communities in decision-making processes, lifting trade restrictions on commercial wildlife, particularly live African elephants and ivory stockpiles, and reviewing CITES listing criteria to ensure local community consultation.
For AEWA MoP9, the objective is to strengthen the implementation of the Agreement in Zimbabwe, aligning national priorities with regional commitments and developing a clear roadmap for the country’s participation.
Outcomes of the meeting included a heightened awareness of CITES issues and the upcoming CoP20, with stakeholders providing valuable input on potential amendments to CITES Appendices, proposed resolutions, and agenda items.
On the AEWA front, participants gained a deeper understanding of the Plan of Action for Africa and explored strategies for its national implementation.Crucially, stakeholders agreed on a multi-stakeholder approach to address conservation challenges, recognizing the historical lack of comprehensive data due to fragmented efforts.
Future engagements will focus on capacitating research institutions and the media to amplify conservation messaging.
Discussions around innovative funding mechanisms and technology transfers for endangered species and waterbird conservation are also set to take center stage, signaling Zimbabwe’s proactive stance in safeguarding its natural heritage.
