The Cabinet has approved a new National Wildlife Policy aimed at modernising the management of the country’s natural resources and boosting the sector’s contribution to economic development.
The policy, presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube in his capacity as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on National Development Planning, comes in response to significant changes in the wildlife sector since the last framework was adopted in 1992.
Speaking during yesterday’s Post-Cabinet Briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Soda Zhemu, said the new policy is designed to align Zimbabwe with global best practices while ensuring sustainability.
“Government has noted the remarkable transformation of the wildlife sector since 1992, hence the need for a modern policy that embraces sustainable and innovative approaches to wildlife management,” said Zhemu.
He added that the policy seeks to unlock the full potential of the wildlife sector while ensuring long-term conservation.
“The new Wildlife Policy aims to strengthen the contribution of the wildlife sector to national development through the sustainable use of wildlife resources, while enhancing community participation and ensuring socio-economic benefits for both present and future generations,” he said.
Zhemu highlighted that the policy is anchored on promoting a wildlife-based economy in line with the National Development Strategy 2 and the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“This policy will enhance resilience to climate change and promote a vibrant wildlife-anchored economy under the Zimbabwe Biodiversity Economy Initiative,” he noted.
The Government has also emphasised inclusivity and equity in the management of wildlife resources.
“The policy recognises wildlife as a public resource and promotes equitable sharing of benefits, support for devolution, and the strengthening of public-private partnerships in natural resource management,” Zhemu said.
He further noted that the policy introduces measures to address ongoing challenges in the sector, particularly human-wildlife conflict.
“Government will implement new regulations, including those guiding CAMPFIRE, and operationalise the Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund to support affected communities,” he said.
Among its key features, the policy is structured around ten strategic pillars, including wildlife ownership and legal guardianship, conservation within and outside parks, protection of indigenous species, and the development of a viable wildlife economy.
Zhemu added that the Government will also prioritise the establishment of wildlife corridors and strengthen fisheries conservation.
“Wildlife corridors will be established and maintained, while fisheries conservation will be promoted as part of broader water resource development, with strict penalties for activities that threaten sustainability,” he said.
The new policy is expected to play a critical role in balancing conservation efforts with economic growth, while empowering communities living alongside wildlife.
