Tourism and Environment

‘Climate change could trigger regional wars’

Published

3 years ago

November 23, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A top Zimbabwean government climate change expert has warned of “hydro hegemony wars by 2050” in Southern Africa if the region does not start taking climate change issues seriously.

Wellington Zhakata, director of climate change management in the Environment, Water and Climate ministry made the warning at a regional symposium on the impact of climate change on humanitarian issues in Victoria Falls on Monday.

“For regional purposes, as countries try to reduce the impact of climate change, efforts will be made to harness as much water resources as possible for internal use and as a result, cross boundary of water sources such as Zambezi, Pungwe and Limpopo rivers might lead to wars as is being witnessed in Ethiopia-Egypt relations defined by water/Nile,” Zhakata said.

He said the wars over water could result in displacements of people, increased human-wildlife conflicts, and damage to infrastructure.

“This will result in increased droughts and the consequent hunger, greater water scarcity for human and animal consumption as well as agriculture as rivers dry and the water table recedes,” Zhakata said.

“More human-wildlife conflicts are expected as animals move in search of water-conducive habitats spreading diseases such as foot and mouth and as people seek alternative livelihoods cyclones and the consequent flooding.

“The other consequences will include population pressures, unequal access to resources, poverty, outbreak of epidemics, and spreading of diseases, which are likely to increase in Sub Saharan Africa and affect the everyday life of the most vulnerable among the veld fires.”

He bemoaned reluctance by countries in the region to enact laws to counter climate change, citing lack of action on coal mining.

Apart from natural causes, climate change effects are caused by human activities such as poor waste management, inefficient appliances (household and industrial), unsustainable consumption and production, wasteful behaviour, reduction of carbon capture and storage, capacities, deforestation, coal-based energy-based electricity, fossil fuel-based energy and use and land use change.

Zhakata said there was a need for resilient infrastructure projects such as construction of bridges and roads, safe houses and provision of food security to the vulnerable people among other Paris Agreement obligations that Zimbabwe is a signatory for.

The conference which ends on Wednesday is being attended by officials from the Southern Africa Development Community and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The delegates will discuss the climate change and displacement’s role in the international community, the region’s implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the nature of current legal provisions of climate change and the technical constraints and challenges among other issues.

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IFAW country director reveals plans to introduce sniffer dogs at Victoria Falls airport

Published

3 weeks ago

January 31, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is planning to introduce snifter dogs at the Victoria Fails International Airport to detect wildlife products like ivory.

This was revealed by IFAW Country Director, Aleta Nyawuye, at a handover ceremony of two Land Cruisers and a K9 dog unit to Zimparks in Victoria Falls towards the end of last year. On the sidelines of the event Nyawuye said, “So, there are a number of types of dogs that are used in detecting crimes. This particular type of dog that we are partnering with Zimparks is called the blue ticker hound.”

Nyawuye emphasized the importance of addressing transboundary crimes, saying, “What we need to do progressively is to be able to deal with transboundary crimes… Because crime is not only confined within the country, but it also traverses across borders.”

She noted that the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Park (KAZA) region, which spans across Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia, is particularly vulnerable to such crimes.

Nyawuye explained that the introduction of sniffer dogs at the Victoria Falls International Airport is part of a broader strategy to combat wildlife crime. “So, what we need to do going forward is to be able to have specific types of sniffer dogs at the international airport Victoria Falls that are able to detect stuff like ivory or any other animal product that is not supposed to be leaving this country.”

She acknowledged that the planning stages are still underway, saying, “When I say we are going to implement this, we are still at the planning stage. This is a long-term intervention that we are planning because this also goes with a rapid response unit.”

In the community

Crocodile attacks on the rise: Zimparks sounds alarm

Published

1 month ago

January 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in human-crocodile conflicts has prompted the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to issue a warning to the public to exercise extreme caution when near water bodies.

According to ZimParks, over 20 incidents of crocodile attacks have been reported in the past two months, resulting in eight fatalities and three serious injuries. The attacks have also posed a threat to livestock.

The most affected areas include the South East Lowveld, specifically Lundi, Tokwe Mukosi, and Lake Mutirikwi, which have recorded six incidents. The Central Region, including Munyati River, Kwekwe River, and Sebakwe River, has seen five incidents, while the Mid Zambezi area, comprising Lake Kariba, Hunyani River, and Angwa River, has also recorded five incidents.

ZimParks is urging the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions when engaging in domestic activities near water bodies.

Livestock owners are advised not to leave their animals unattended near rivers or lakes, as they may become easy targets for crocodiles.

“In light of these, the authority urges the public to exercise extreme caution around water bodies and remain alert while engaging in domestic activities near these areas to minimise the risk of crocodile attacks,”Zimaparks cautioned in a press statement.

“To minimize the risk of conflict with crocodiles, livestock should not be left unattended near rivers or lakes to prevent them from becoming easy targets for crocodiles.”

The authority reiterated its commitment to promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring safety and fostering respect for wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations.

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Prof. Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks director general

Published

1 month ago

January 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has announced the appointment of Professor Edson Gandiwa as its new Director General, effective immediately.

According to a statement released by ZimParks, Prof. Gandiwa brings over 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation and higher education to the role. Previously, he served as Director of Scientific Services at ZimParks from 2021 to 2025.

Prof. Gandiwa’s impressive academic credentials include a PhD in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, as well as a Master’s degree in Tropical Resource Ecology from the University of Zimbabwe.

A renowned expert in his field, Prof. Gandiwa has authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications and currently chairs the African Elephant Fund Steering Committee under the United Nations Environment Programme.

His appointment follows the departure of Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, who has taken up a new role as Director General in the President’s department.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo welcomed Prof. Gandiwa’s appointment, saying his expertise would be invaluable in driving the organization’s conservation efforts forward.