Tourism and Environment

‘Climate change could trigger regional wars’

Published

4 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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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to address the growing elephant population in Save Valley Conservancy, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued permits for a controlled elephant management exercise.

The exercise, slated to commence shortly, aims to cull an initial 50 elephants from the conservancy, which is currently home to 2,550 elephants – more than three times the ecological carrying capacity of 800 elephants.

According to ZimParks, the conservancy has been struggling to cope with the swelling elephant population, which has put a strain on the wildlife habitat and resources. Over the past five years, the conservancy has translocated 200 elephants to other areas, including Hurungwe and Sapi, in an effort to manage the population.

Zimparks says the controlled culling exercise is expected to provide relief to the conservancy’s ecosystem, while also benefiting local communities.

Elephant meat from the exercise will be distributed to local communities while the ivory will be kept by the State.

In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized the authority’s commitment to responsible and sustainable wildlife management.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our wildlife resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, for the benefit of present and future generations.”

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

3 months ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.

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Lion found poached in Victoria Falls

Published

3 months ago

March 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A disturbing poaching incident has shaken the conservation community in Victoria Falls, with a lion found brutally killed and mutilated.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), a team from the Vic Falls Wildlife Trust was tracking a collared lion when they stumbled upon a gruesome scene.

The poached lion’s flesh had been removed, and its claws and head were missing. However, in a heartening turn of events, a second lion, an adult male, was found caught in a snare but still alive.

Thanks to the swift intervention of veterinary doctors, the second lion was successfully treated and rescued from the snare.

ZimParks has condemned the incident and vowed to work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are worried about the increasing cases of lion poaching, and we will continue to work with the Police and other conservation partners to curb this challenge,” said Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks Spokesperson.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of wildlife in the area, with ZimParks rangers and anti-poaching units conducting snare-sweeping patrols to protect the animals.

As the investigation continues, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are calling for increased efforts to combat poaching and protect Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife heritage.