Zimbabwean conservationist and lawyer, Advocate Ever Chinoda, has earned international acclaim after being nominated for the prestigious Animal Action Awards to be held in the United Kingdom this Thursday. The recognition places her among the world’s most influential voices in animal welfare and underscores Zimbabwe’s growing leadership in wildlife conservation and legal reform.
Advocate Chinoda, the founder and director of Speak Out For Animals (SOFA), established the organisation in 2017 to promote animal rights and strengthen the legal protection of wildlife in Zimbabwe. Her nomination is a testament to her groundbreaking contributions, which include pioneering the introduction of wildlife law as a subject at Great Zimbabwe University’s Herbert Chitepo Law School, as well as developing a Diploma in Wildlife Law and Policy.
Her work has transformed the intersection of law and conservation in Zimbabwe. Through intensive capacity-building programmes, Advocate Chinoda has trained over 100 prosecutors, 80 investigators and Police officers, and 20 magistrates in the application of wildlife law. She has also spearheaded the development of rapid response guides for wildlife crime and lobbied for the creation of specialised wildlife courts to ensure swift justice in cases involving poaching and animal trafficking.
One of her most notable achievements includes successfully lobbying for the painted dog, a species once classified as a “problem animal”—to be upgraded to specially protected status under Zimbabwean law. This milestone highlights her ability to translate advocacy into tangible legal protections for endangered species.
The Animal Action Awards, hosted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the BAFTA Headquarters in London, celebrate individuals making extraordinary contributions to the protection and welfare of animals worldwide. This year’s event features 140 nominees from 26 countries, with Advocate Chinoda proudly representing Zimbabwe’s conservation excellence on the global stage.
Her nomination is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of Zimbabwe’s broader commitment to sustainable wildlife management and the integration of legal frameworks into conservation efforts. It also demonstrates how innovation in education and law can serve as powerful tools in preserving biodiversity and empowering communities to value and protect their natural environment.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, conservationists and peers hailed Advocate Chinoda’s nomination as an inspiration for the next generation of legal professionals and environmental defenders. Her work, they said, bridges the gap between law and conservation, offering a model for other nations seeking to combine justice, sustainability, and compassion for nature.
Advocate Chinoda’s recognition at the Animal Action Awards is a shining moment for Zimbabwe celebrating not only a remarkable woman’s dedication, but also the nation’s unwavering resolve to defend its rich wildlife heritage for generations to come.
