So sustainable hunting tourism generates 60% of ZimPark's revenue despite importation bans imposed by the U.S. Now that the Zim government has stopped funding ZimParks, will the ecotourism industry step up and provide additional financial support?


Excerpt:

"Parks generates 60 percent of its revenue from hunting. “At national level, the total hunting revenue contributes an excess of $28 million every year,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri. “We have excelled in wildlife conservation as evidenced by the high numbers of elephants in the country and we should be rewarded for these efforts through sustainable utilisation, but instead we are being punished through trade restrictions."

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As per Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority's website:

Overview

The Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority operates under an Act of Parliament, the Parks and Wildlife Act of 1975.

The Authority manages one of the largest estates in the country, about 5 million hectares of land or 13% of Zimbabwe’s total land area. It should be noted that most of the Parks are located in Ecological Regions Four and Five or rugged mountainous areas which would not have much economic alternative use.

The Authority has a mandate to manage the entire wildlife population of Zimbabwe, whether on private or communal lands. Private landowners can utilize the wildlife on their land but are still accountable to the Authority for the welfare of the animals.

Mandated with the protection, management and administration of the wildlife of Zimbabwe, the Authority has had a proud history of sound management that endeavors to preserve the unique flora and fauna heritage of Zimbabwe.
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The Herald (by Talent Hwari Herald Reporter - July 12, 2017)

Govt stops ZimParks funding

Government has stopped funding the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and expects it to operate as a commercial entity.

Addressing legislators at the Zimbabwe parliamentarian conservation caucus workshop in Harare on Friday last week, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the restrictions in wildlife trade negatively impacted on the authority’s budget.

Parks generates 60 percent of its revenue from hunting. “At national level, the total hunting revenue contributes an excess of $28 million every year,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri. “We have excelled in wildlife conservation as evidenced by the high numbers of elephants in the country and we should be rewarded for these efforts through sustainable utilisation, but instead we are being punished through trade restrictions.

“Zimbabwe remains one of few nations that have viable wildlife populations and this is why the world’s focus remains firmly on us. However, despite challenges and hindrances in the form of bans and negative publicity, we have proven to be committed in ensuring that wildlife prevails for future generations to enjoy. “We shall not relent in the face of adversity, but will thrive to ensure that we rise above all challenges and remain victorious in the fight against poaching.”

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said Government developed strategies to solve the challenges that included use of sniffer dogs, aircrafts and micro-lights and experimenting with drones in wildlife protection.

Deputy Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Industry Anastacia Ndlovu concurred saying: “Generally, species of wildlife that can be observed through this form of tourism are the same as those most threatened by poaching and other forms of environmental detriments.”
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The National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority used to be the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management.

Privatizing it as a parastatal was just smoke and mirrors. It lost some of its statutory authority, which was good news to elements of the security forces who are involved in poaching and trafficking cartels and in the end the government kept siphoning off revenue, so it was really just another slush fund for the ruling elite, which is why it never had any money.

Now, as all the US$ have disappeared, the government's interim monkey money the "bond notes" are now running at 80-100% on the black market, fuel queues and shortages have returned, and the re-introduction of a completely worthless local currency is imminent the kleptocracy is bleeding every possible source of revenue dry.

So, donate to, or invest in National Parks now and you're just funding the country's dysfunctional politics.