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Rangers on the frontline: Celebrating the unsung heroes of conservation

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Today, conservation organizations and wildlife enthusiasts around the world are coming together to celebrate World Rangers Day, a tribute to the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to protect the planet’s precious wildlife and natural resources.

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At the forefront of conservation efforts are rangers like those at Panda Masuie, a team of 18 dedicated individuals who don their green uniforms every day, driven by skill, passion, loyalty, and courage.

They are the first line of defense against poachers and wildlife crimes, working tirelessly to safeguard the animals in their care, including rehabilitated orphaned elephants.

“These rangers are the true champions of conservation,”say Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit.

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“They are the reason why wild spaces remain for future generations to enjoy. Their hard work, dedication, and unwavering passion are an inspiration to us all.”

But the job of a ranger comes with a great cost.

Many have lost their lives in the line of duty, and the International Ranger Federation reports that 140 rangers from 38 countries have passed away since June 2023.

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Despite the challenges, Rangers continue to play a crucial role in achieving conservation goals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognizes the importance of their work, particularly in achieving the conservation of 30% of our planet’s lands and water by 2030.

“Rangers are the unsung heroes of conservation,” says IUCN.

“We thank them sincerely for their commitment and contribution. Their dedication is crucial in our mission to protect our planet and its people.”

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Cabinet approves review of tourism levies, licenses and fees

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BY STAFF REPORTER

The Cabinet has approved a review of levies, licences, fees, and permits of tourism sector , aimed at streamlining the regulatory environment and enhancing competitiveness.

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The announcement was made during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, attended by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi.

The review, conducted through a consultative process, covered various subsectors, including accommodation, hospitality and catering, tour guides and operators, boating services, and vehicle rental services.

Previously, these subsectors were constrained by a complex regulatory environment, which the review aims to simplify by removing unjustifiable licences and permits, streamlining duplicative requirements, and reducing excessively high fees and levies.

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Significantly, the review introduces a range of reductions, with some fees being cut by 25-50% and others scrapped off completely.

The reviewed instruments will undergo further refinement to ensure they fully support a competitive and thriving tourism industry.

This reform is part of the broader ease-of-doing-business agenda, designed to lower operational costs, enhance competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth in Zimbabwe’s economy.

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The tourism sector is one of Zimbabwe’s key drivers of economic growth, and this development is expected to provide a significant boost to the industry.

Source: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

 

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In the community

Hwange duo sentenced to 26 months for wildlife crimes

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Two Hwange men have been sentenced to 26 months imprisonment for setting 49 wire snares, including 48 class one snares, in Sinamatela Game Park, resulting in the killing of one impala and two female kudus, with a total value of US$6 000 worth of dried game meat.

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Lungisani Moyo (38) and Joel Nyathi (27), both from Madumabisa Village, were convicted of contravening the Trapping of Animal Control Act.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the state presented a case that the two unlawfully set the snares this month, resulting in the illegal killing of one impala and two female kudus.

The matter came to light after a joint patrol by police and Zim-Parks officers intercepted a man in the Lwendulu area carrying a suspicious black bag. Upon searching him, authorities recovered 12 bundles of dried game meat.

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Upon probe, the man led officers to Moyo’s residence, where further illegal game products were discovered.

Subsequent searches at both Moyo and Nyathi’s homes yielded a total of 22 bundles of dried game meat, kudu hooves, intestines, and other animal parts.

Police investigations confirmed the use of wire snares to hunt the animals within protected parkland.

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The total value of the poached wildlife is US$6 000.

Of the 26-month sentence, 10 months were suspended for five years, leaving the two to serve an effective 16 months imprisonment.

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In the community

Hwange man fined US$1 100 for illegal kudu meat sales

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BY STAFF REPORTER

A 62-year-old man from Hwange has been fined to pay US$1 100 for selling dried kudu meat without a permit.

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This was heard at the Hwange Regional Court when Samson Ncube appeared before a magistrate for selling meat without a license.

The state alleges that Ncube was found with 12kg of dried kudu meat valued at US$480, which he was selling without a permit.

He was arrested by CID Minerals Flora and Fauna and ZimParks during patrols in Lwendulu Village.

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The magistrate sentenced Ncube to pay a fine of US$1 100 by September 19, next month, or face 3 months in jail.

The recovered meat was forfeited.

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