National

Involve communities in conservation, says Ndlovu

Published

3 years ago

May 27, 2022

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu has bemoaned the exclusion of local communities in environment conservation efforts, saying they are the missing link in fighting wildlife crimes.

Speaking on the last day of the African Elephant Conference on Thursday, Ndlovu said community participation would help governments to address many challenges they face in preserving the environment.

“We cannot afford to continue discussing conservation at the exclusion of communities as though the two can be separated,” he said.

“We need to find ways of ensuring our communities play a central role in managing wildlife within their localities.

“I am convinced that community participation will allow us to address several other challenges, such as illegal wildlife trade, land use change, and human and wildlife conflict which is evident.”

Ndlovu said African countries must find ways of harmonising their approaches to wildlife conservation and exchange notes on best practices.

The conference held at the Hwange National Park between May 23 to 25 was organised to help African countries to come up with a common position on the global ban on the ivory trade by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Zimbabwe and other southern African countries with large elephant herds want to be allowed to sell their ivory stockpiles to fund conservation efforts.

On the other hand countries such as Kenya and Tanzania say any resumption of ivory trade would worsen the poaching of African elephants, which are already facing extinction.

Countries such as Zimbabwe, which has Africa’s second largest population of elephants, say they have to be allowed to sell their ivory stockpiles to manage their growing herds and increasing human-wildlife conflicts.

CITES banned ivory trade in 1998 to protect the elephants.

Ndlovu said lack of scientific data on wildlife management was making it difficult for African countries to make their case on why the ivory trade ban must be lifted.

“We will need to work together as a region to find ways of addressing this,” he said.

“We will not be able to come up with a convincing solution if we’re not sure of the data we are using.

“Our scientific and management authorities are, therefore, encouraged to come together and find ways of addressing this challenge.

“The key question is, how do we navigate the current restrictions to come up with what is there to preserve the value of our wildlife, improve livelihoods and develop our nations?

“It’s not an easy task, but it’s doable.”

The minister added: “The questions are then how to create value out of our wildlife and its products, which include stockpiles, to have opportunities in the financial markets, blended financing mechanisms similar to those in the climate change arena.”

First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who was the guest of honour at the conference, lamented lack of unity among African countries on the ivory trade ban.

“This gathering comes at a critical time when Africa and indeed the whole world is preparing for the CITES COP 19 to be held in Panama in November of this year,” Mnangagwa said.

“Africa will join the rest of the world in advocating for regional and international conservation practices that promote effective, efficient and sustainable protection and utilisation of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

“We believe in sustainable utilisation and sustainable wildlife trade for the benefit of wildlife, communities and the Africa at large.

“I am, however, saddened by lack of unity we have shown as Africa at various international for a, especially the Conference of Parties to the CITES.’

Related Topics:African Elephant Conference CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Up Next

Police lay siege at editor Mduduzi Mathuthu’s home

Don't Miss

Japan, EU in lukewarm response to Zimbabwe’s lobby to lift ivory ban trade

Click to comment

National

Zimbabwe’s power crisis: A new dawn?

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to alleviate the crippling load shedding that has left Zimbabweans frustrated and angry, ZESA Holdings chairman Sydney Gata has announced a 720-megawatt thermal power project.

This ambitious initiative aims to add much-needed megawatts to the national grid, bringing relief to households and businesses alike.

Speaking at the launch, Gata acknowledged the nation’s pain, saying, “I know you are angry and frustrated about the load shedding. I am tired of being insulted for these power cuts.”he was quoted at a video captured by the Ministry of Information.

His words echoed the sentiments of many Zimbabweans who have grown weary of the constant blackouts.

The project, set to be completed by December 2025, will be complemented by a 200-megawatt solar station and additional solar projects in Selous and Gweru.

This multi-pronged approach is expected to mark the end of load shedding in Zimbabwe.

Gata emphasized that this initiative is one of 18 projects spearheaded by companies in mining, industry, and commerce.

These projects were invited after the Kariba disaster, which highlighted the need for alternative power sources.

National

Victoria Falls mayor suspends town clerk amid corruption allegations

Published

2 days ago

December 2, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Prince Moyo has suspended Town Clerk Ronnie Dube with immediate effect amid allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

According to a letter seen by this publication, Dube’s suspension is in terms of Section 139 of the Urban Councils Act, Chapter 29:15.

The letter, dated November 2, outlines several allegations against Dube, including:

– Allocating stands 9816 and 9945 to Priscilla Thabolo and Portia Saritsozo without following Council procedures

– Awarding a contract to Cascade Engineering Consultants without following tender processes

– Selling and transferring stand 1829 in Chinotimba Township without receiving payment or following procedures

The letter states that these allegations, amongst others, have led to Dube’s suspension, and he is required to leave Council offices immediately.

“The Council will notify you on the way forward,” the letter reads.

This publication will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

National

How long will Zimbabweans endure darkness?

Published

3 days ago

December 2, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY FARAI MACHAMIRE

Zimbabweans face at least two more years of power shortages as the government works to stabilize electricity generation and meet demand, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, has revealed.

The country’s daily power generation currently averages 1,232 megawatts (MW) against a demand of 1,735 MW, with imports and load-shedding bridging the shortfall.

Speaking in Parliament (Senate) on Wednesday and quoted on ZimLive, Moyo painted a grim picture of the nation’s energy landscape but assured citizens that ongoing and upcoming projects would eventually close the gap.

“The refurbishment of Hwange Power Station’s Unit 5 will add 160 MW to the national grid by August 2026, helping address the electricity shortfall,” he said. Additionally, Unit 7 at Hwange will undergo maintenance in January 2025 to ensure its long-term efficiency.

Water shortages have further constrained electricity generation at the Kariba Power Station, which produces only 104 MW out of its 1,050 MW capacity due to low water levels.

However, Moyo highlighted a 68.75% increase in water allocation for power generation in 2025, stemming from an anticipated above-normal rainfall season.

“This will significantly increase power availability next year,” he noted.

A recent nationwide blackout on November 24 disrupted the fragile energy system, with power restored after seven hours. The cause of the disturbance is still under investigation.

To mitigate load-shedding, the government plans to rely on Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which currently contribute over 200 MW, and accelerate renewable energy projects like solar farms. Projects such as the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Plant, with a potential capacity of 1,200 MW, and the Devils Gorge Hydro Project, expected to generate 600 MW, are also in development.

“The repowering of Hwange units 1 to 6 over the next 48 to 60 months will restore the station’s capacity to 840 MW, significantly stabilizing the power supply,” Moyo said.

On nuclear energy, the minister disclosed that the government is exploring prospects with Russia’s ROSATOM and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Thirty Zimbabwean students are currently training in nuclear physics abroad as part of the initiative.

Despite these efforts, Moyo acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Without significant interventions, the forecast demand of 1,735 MW will continue to outstrip supply, resulting in ongoing load curtailment,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s path to reliable electricity hinges on the successful completion of these projects and the implementation of efficient energy policies. For now, the nation must brace for continued power outages.

The prolonged outages, now extending to 18-hours a day, have taken a toll on households and industries, affecting productivity and increasing operational costs for businesses reliant on backup power. Critics argue that the government’s reliance on imports and promises of future projects have not eased the immediate burden on citizens.

SOURCE: ZIMLIVE