ConserveZim

26/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/26/zimbabwes-rainbow-towers-hotel-in-first-major-renovation-in-39-years/

TOURISM and hospitality giant Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) says the ongoing massive refurbishment of its flagship Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre in Harare, the first such undertaking in 39 years, will help push revenue performance as the company seeks to enhance its competitive edge in the market.

The RTG is the dominant player in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry specialising in hotel and conference services, tour operations and operates the largest tourism online booking platform in Zimbabwe, the Gateway Stream App.

The group has six hotels located across Zimbabwe. Its flagship hotel, the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre is currently undergoing a complete overhaul aimed at modernising the infrastructure.

TOURISM and hospitality giant Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) says the ongoing massive refurbishment of its flagship Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre in Harare, the first such undertaking in 39 years, will help push revenue performance as the company seeks to enhance its c...

24/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/24/road-safety-gets-a-boost-as-south-africa-and-zimbabwe-collaborate-on-incident-response/

Disaster response experts from the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) in South Africa are in Zimbabwe for a three-day training workshop with their counterparts.

The goal is to harmonize policies and strategies for handling road incidents across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The workshop, hosted by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) of Zimbabwe, comes amid a growing need to integrate the transportation of hazardous materials by road throughout the region.

This initiative follows bilateral engagement meetings held earlier in 2024, where SADC countries agreed to expand cooperation on road safety. RIMS has already collaborated with Swaziland, Lesotho, and Zambia, and Zimbabwe is the latest addition.

23/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/23/south-africa-enacts-climate-change-act-zimbabwe-on-the-same-journey/

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the landmark Climate Change Act into law, outlining a national strategy to combat climate change. This Act establishes a framework for mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (preparing for climate impacts) efforts, aligning with South Africa’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The Act aims to streamline climate-related policies, ensuring a smooth transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. This will minimize policy conflicts and pave the way for sustainable development.

The Act recognizes the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while fostering economic growth and job creation. It aims to promote opportunities in the emerging green economy, offsetting potential job losses in traditional sectors.

22/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/22/malawis-forests-disappears-charcoal-production-thrive-despite-ban/

Malawian forests, particularly Michiru Mountain located eight kilometers from the commercial capital Blantyre, are under threat due to a rising demand for charcoal in the country.

Poverty is the main driver of deforestation in Michiru Mountain. People resort to charcoal production as a means to provide for their families, even at great risk.

Several reports have highlighted the potential disappearance of Michiru forest, similar to Mount Soche and Ndirande. However, authorities have taken little action.

John Cassim Harare, Zimbabwe - Malawian forests, particularly Michiru Mountain located eight kilometers from the commercial capital Blantyre, are under threat due to a rising demand for charcoal in the country. Poverty is the main driver of deforestation in Michiru Mountain. People resort to charcoa...

22/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/22/the-myth-and-tale-of-jack-the-baboon-the-railway-signalman/

African folklore abounds with tales of the clever hare and the less-cunning baboon. These stories, passed down for generations, have shaped some perceptions of baboons as lacking intelligence. However, a remarkable true story from South Africa challenges this notion.

While tales of truck-driving baboons might seem like fiction, a real-life baboon named Jack captured headlines between 1881 and 1890.

This wasn’t a product of the AI age, but a testament to the remarkable bond between a man and an animal. Jack, a Chacma baboon, assisted his human companion, James Wide, a disabled railway signalman.

James Wide, nicknamed “Jumper” for his agility between railcars, tragically lost both legs in an accident. Refusing to give up his job, Wide turned to an unlikely source for help: a young baboon named Jack.

African folklore abounds with tales of the clever hare and the less-cunning baboon. These stories, passed down for generations, have shaped some perceptions of baboons as lacking intelligence. However, a remarkable true story from South Africa challenges this notion.

22/07/2024

Amazing staff

A baboon named Jack officially worked for South African railways (1881-1890) as a signalman and was paid twenty cents a day and half a beer weekly. Jack never made a single mistake in his entire Railway career. Jack was a chacma baboon who assisted a paraplegic railway signalman named James Wide, also known as "Jumper" Wide, after losing his legs in a railway accident. James Wide trained Jack to help him with his daily tasks. Over time, Jack learned to operate railway signals under supervision, requiring careful attention and precision.
Jack the Baboon became famous for his reliability and accuracy in railway signal operation. He never made a mistake in the nine years he worked for the railway. Jack passed away in 1890, and his skull is preserved at the Albany Museum in Grahamstown, South Africa, as a reminder of his unique contributions to the railway industry.

21/07/2024

Brilliant write up

20/07/2024

https://youtu.be/klgqT6qg25I

Youths in Harare Bust a Move for Climate Change!
Sisonke Project, a climate justice initiative in Kuwadzana, Harare, is getting young people moving for a greener future!Recognizing dance's unifying power, they've launched a campaign using movement to inspire environmental action.
Today, the energy was electric as youths from across Harare converged in Kuwadzana for a dance competition. The winning team, hailing from Ushewekunze in the capital's south, showcased their talent and commitment to the cause. This innovative campaign highlights the power of creativity and youth involvement in tackling climate change. While dance is helping in the maintenance of the environment, these youths have confessed, it has also helped them off the streets where drugs or illegal substance use is now on the increase. hashtag hashtag via www.conservezim.com
please like and subscribe to our YouTube, follow us on X: https://x.com/ConserveZim

A number of youths from Harare gathered in Harare, Kuwadzana to show case their dance skills in a bid to raise awareness to their peers of the dangers of eff...

19/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/19/from-conflict-to-cooperation-as-zimoza-tfca-paves-the-way-for-a-sustainable-future/

In a momentous occasion for regional cooperation, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia signed the ZIMOZA Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) Memorandum of Agreement yesterday. This landmark agreement marks a new era of collaboration aimed at enhancing conservation efforts and fostering socio-economic development within the region.

The signing ceremony, held in Harare, brought together Zimbabwean President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, and Zambian Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Rodney Sikumba.

President Mnangagwa underscored the TFCA’s potential to address pressing issues like human-wildlife conflict, which impacts roughly 600,000 residents living near the conservation area.

John Cassim Harare, Zimbabwe - In a momentous occasion for regional cooperation, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia signed the ZIMOZA Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) Memorandum of Agreement yesterday. This landmark agreement marks a new era of collaboration aimed at enhancing conservation effor...

18/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/18/zimbabwe-grapples-with-rising-open-defecation-wash-sector-seeks-solutions/

Zimbabwe faces a growing challenge in sanitation and hygiene, with a recent report by the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZIMLAC) revealing a concerning increase in open defecation. The national rate rose from 26% in 2023 to 28% in 2024, with a particularly alarming 2.8% increase recorded in urban areas.

Eng. Tinayeshe Mutazu, Chairperson of the WASH National Action Committee, addressed the WASH Sector Working Group meeting Wednesday, emphasizing the urgency of improving WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services across the country.

“The ZIMLAC (2024) report confirms the challenge of low WASH service access in both rural and urban areas,” Eng. Mutazu said. “We cannot ignore the red flag this raises – the incidence of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases is a stark reminder of the poor state of services and the vulnerability of the WASH sector. It’s time for all of us, public and private sector, to come together and strategize on how to effectively overcome these challenges for the people of Zimbabwe.”

17/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/17/zimbabwe-eyes-carbon-credit-goldmine/

Climate change experts have gathered in Zimbabwe’s second city Bulawayo to explore how the country can transform its environmental challenges into economic opportunities. With the global carbon credit market booming, the focus is on unlocking Zimbabwe’s potential to generate revenue while combating climate change.

The two day indaba, hosted by Bulawayo City, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, and the Africa Voluntary Carbon Credits Market Forum (AVCCMF), is a critical step towards positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in the global carbon market.

According to Kwanele Hlabangana, Executive Chairman of the Africa Voluntary Carbon Credits Market Forum, the conference aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing on how to navigate the complexities of the carbon credit market. Hlabangana emphasized the need to turn adverse climate situations into opportunities, highlighting the potential of carbon credits as a viable solution.

“The Paris Agreement created opportunities for countries like Zimbabwe to benefit from the global fight against climate change,” said Hlabangana. “We must leverage these opportunities to drive sustainable development and improve the lives of our people.”

We must leverage these opportunities to drive sustainable development and improve the lives of our people John Cassim Veronica Jakarasi - Executive Director, Institute of Sustainability & Development Finance Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Climate change experts have gathered in Zimbabwe's second city Bulawa...

15/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/15/the-2024-veldfire-restriction-period-starts-on-a-sad-note/

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has announced a slight reduction in veld fire incidents recorded so far this year compared to the same period last year. However, this positive development is overshadowed by the tragic loss of life.

Since the onset of the 2024 veld fire restriction period on July 1st, there have been 47 fire incidents, burning 43,843.11 hectares of veld. This compares favourably to 206 fire incidents and 54,971.03 hectares burnt during the same period in 2023.

Despite the decrease in incidents, a somber note hangs over the season. A 55-year-old disabled man from St. Faith’s area in Makoni District tragically lost his life while fighting a veld fire.

15/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/15/nmb-bank-secures-10-million-loan-from-british-international-investment-to-boost-agricultural-exports-and-support-sustainable-farming/

NMB Bank Zimbabwe Limited announced today that it has secured a $10 million loan from British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, to support agricultural exporters and sustainable farming practices in the country.

The facility positions NMB Bank as one of the prime supporters of the agriculture sector’s sustainability efforts.

This is the first Financial Services debt financing from BII in Zimbabwe, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to support the country’s banking sector.

11/07/2024

Eye opener

Inoculated biochar for sale in southern Spain. Boosts soil health, retains water, boosts plant production, and more. Amata Green's Eco-Mix© is now on sale while supplies last.

11/07/2024

Lovely

09/07/2024

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07/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/07/hippos-hippopotamus-facts-to-know-about-the-river-horse/

Did you know that hippos can run so fast that at times they are airborne, according to research by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), as reported by the media in the United Kingdom (UK)?

Hippos, unlike other land animals such as elephants, horses, and rhinos, exclusively trot when moving, making them airborne for periods of up to 3 seconds at any given time.

The name hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) derives from the Greek term for “river horse.”

Hippos enjoy freshwater habitats like no other land mammal because of their semi-aquatic nature. They are also very good swimmers, but they can’t breathe under water.

John Cassim Harare, Zimbabwe – Did you know that hippos can run so fast that at times they are airborne, according to research by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), as reported by the media in the United Kingdom (UK)? Hippos, unlike other land animals such as elephants, horses, and rhinos, exclus...

03/07/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/07/03/the-source-of-the-zambezi-river/

Africa’s fourth-longest river, the Zambezi, boasts an unassuming origin, a gurgling spring nestled within a secluded Zambian forest at the north-western corner. Despite its modest beginnings, this spring marks the birthplace of a powerful waterway.

The spring emerges in a black, marshy area within a dense Miombo woodland, close to Zambia’s borders with Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The source lies in Mwinilunga District at an elevation of about 1,500 meters and is encompassed by a protected national monument forest reserve. This area teems with biodiversity, boasting nearly 200 bird species and various mammals like tree pangolins, long-footed rats, red-tailed monkeys, and African palm civets.

29/06/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/06/29/displaced-and-disconnected-the-batonga-conservation-culture-under-threat-in-zimbabwe/

The BaTonga people of Zimbabwe have long been admired for their deep respect for their language, traditions, and the natural world around them. However, the construction of the Kariba Dam in the 1950s scattered these communities, disrupting their age-old conservation practices and threatening their cultural identity.

While the Zimbabwean government promotes sustainable environmental practices and land reclamation, some BaTonga leaders, like Mudenda Chilumbo, a well-known politician with the Mthwakazi Republic Party, believe the current government must do more to restore the BaTonga people’s traditional lands and way of life.

The BaTonga people of Zimbabwe have long been admired for their deep respect for their language, traditions, and the natural world around them. However, the construction of the Kariba Dam in the 1950s scattered these communities, disrupting their age-old conservation practices and threatening their....

26/06/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/06/26/zimbabwe-shifts-from-mere-cultivation-for-export-to-medical-cannabis/

The Medicines Control Association of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has announced the licensing of a small number of pharmaceutical companies to manufacture cannabis-based drugs. This development comes several years after Zimbabwe issued permits to 60 cannabis farmers, a move that positioned the country as an early adopter of cannabis production in Africa.

Initially, cannabis cultivation was envisioned for export purposes. Licensing requirements reflected this goal, with investor entry fees ranging from US$50,000 to US$1 million.

However, the legal framework only allows for crop production for export, criminalising possession of ma*****na within the country.

Recognising the potential of medical cannabis, the Ministry of Health and Child Care intervened. With an eye towards domestic production for medical use, the MCAZ began registering products from local producers.

The Medicines Control Association of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has announced the licensing of a small number of pharmaceutical companies to manufacture cannabis-based drugs. This development comes several years after Zimbabwe issued permits to 60 cannabis farmers, a move that positioned the country as an earl...

26/06/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/06/26/new-tourism-complex-in-hwange-national-park-more-than-65-complete/

Construction of the Hwange One-Stop Pavilion for Wildlife Information and Services in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park is now more than 65% complete, according to Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Sithembiso Nyoni. The update came during a cabinet progress report on Tuesday.

This US$1.4 million project, which began in October 2023, aims to revitalize Zimbabwe’s wildlife tourism industry. Hwange National Park, the second-largest wildlife reserve in the region after Kruger National Park, will benefit significantly.

Though initially slated for completion in June 2024, unforeseen logistical challenges caused minor delays. The new complex will serve as a high-security checkpoint equipped with smart camera technology to bolster efforts against wildlife trafficking.

- The new complex will serve as a high-security checkpoint equipped with smart camera technology to bolster efforts against wildlife trafficking John Cassim Harare, Zimbabwe - Construction of the Hwange One-Stop Pavilion for Wildlife Information and Services in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park is now...

26/06/2024

Welcome to the June Edition of the ConserveZim Newsletter!

The El Nino induced drought has hit hard certain parts of the southern Africa and in this edition we looked at how Zimbabwean families especially in the lowveld and Matabeleland South are coping.

We have also looked at the impact certain interventions are making in uplifting the livelihood of women in rural Zimbabwe.

There are fears that if nothing is done some parts of Matabeleland South may end up getting drier owing to increased droughts as effects of climate change bite.

Meanwhile the ConserveZim June news- letter is coming at a time when one of our main followers and renowned journalist Lucy Yasini has passed.

Lucy was a dynamic, energetic, courageous and fearless journalist known for standing by the truth.

She spent more than 20 years at the ZBC now Radio Zimbabwe doing Ndebele and Chichewa programmes up to a time when she joined Channel Africa – Chinyanja Ser- vice at SABC, before switching to the Studio 7 – Voice of America.

Her love and experience as a radio jour- nalist in conservation and health matters helped the ConserveZim team take a more pronounced direction during the launch of this publication.

Lucy will be missed for her love, care and deep knowledge of the conservation story.
May Her Soul Rest In Peace.

Like Lucy Yasini, our conservation hero, we believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting Zimbabwe’s environment. Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or just starting to learn more, we hope this newsletter will inspire you to take action.

In the coming editions, we’ll continue to bring you in-depth reports, success sto- ries, and ways to get involved.

We also encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions with us by replying to these emails:

conservezim3@gmail. com, [email protected]

Download via this link: https://lnkd.in/dwEiSU87

https://www.conservezim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Conserve-Zim-Issue-2.pdf Peace Parks Foundation UNFPAUN Environment ProgrammeWWFWildlife Conservation SocietyifawBlood OriginsAfrican Wildlife FoundationEnvironmental Management AgencyMinistry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting ServicesConserveZimZBC News OnlineSeedCoZimparksElias Manuel mamboUNICEFChristian Care ZimbabweCITESEuropean Union in the United StatesOrganic Farming AcademyBirdLife ZimbabweAkashinga

24/06/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/06/24/akashingas-wadzanai-munemo-a-ranger-who-redefines-conservation-leadership/

As Zimbabwe joins the global celebration of World Female Ranger Week (June 23-26), ConserveZim shines a light on Wadzanai Munemo, a remarkable Ranger Supervisor at Akashinga, Zimbabwe’s all-female anti-poaching unit in the Lower Zambezi Valley.

Wadzanai’s journey with Akashinga is more than just a personal success story; it’s a powerful testament to the transformative power of opportunity and leadership. Driven by the desire to build a stable future for her children, she found in Akashinga not just a job, but a chance to rewrite the narrative for women in conservation.

“Akashinga did well for us female rangers,” Wadzanai shares. “Before, we were disadvantaged. This project empowered us.”

As Zimbabwe joins the global celebration of World Female Ranger Week (June 23-26), ConserveZim shines a light on Wadzanai Munemo, a remarkable Ranger Supervisor at Akashinga, Zimbabwe's all-female anti-poaching unit in the Lower Zambezi Valley.

13/06/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/06/13/hwange-heroes-guardians-empowered-to-protect-wildlife-and-communities/

A new chapter unfolds for human-wildlife coexistence in Hwange District, Zimbabwe’s wildlife haven. Fourteen dedicated individuals from Tsholotsho, Lupane, and Matetsi communities have recently graduated from an intensive training program, transforming them into guardians for both wildlife and their neighbours.

This ground-breaking initiative, spearheaded by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), is fuelled by the generous support of the Australian Embassy, Zimbabwe’s Direct Aid Program (DAP).

A new chapter unfolds for human-wildlife coexistence in Hwange District, Zimbabwe's wildlife haven. Fourteen dedicated individuals from Tsholotsho, Lupane, and Matetsi communities have recently graduated from an intensive training program, transforming them into guardians for both wildlife and their...

10/06/2024

Take a look at this beautiful documentary

The Mangwa South District of Zimbabwe is a forgotten place by the world and most of Zimbabwe. A place that is rural, where livestock are the chief economic d...

09/06/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/06/09/buffalo-relocation-aims-to-curb-foot-and-mouth-disease-threat-to-livestock-in-zimbabwe/

In a bid to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) from stray buffaloes to domestic livestock in communities near Eaglemont Range in the Lowveld, 84 buffaloes have been translocated to Nuanetsi Range in Chiredzi.

The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development revealed Sunday that the buffaloes were moved to protect farmers within the area.

More than 10,000 households residing in the Eaglemont area, whose livelihoods heavily depend on livestock production, were directly affected by stray buffaloes. Some of those close to the conservancies do not have fences to keep the stray buffalos out.

In a bid to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) from stray buffaloes to domestic livestock in communities near Eaglemont Range in the Lowveld, 84 buffaloes have been translocated to Nuanetsi Range in Chiredzi.

09/06/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/06/09/understanding-low-water-levels-in-lake-kariba-and-their-impact-on-electricity-generation/

News reports often express concern about low water levels in Lake Kariba. Sometimes, these reports lead to misconception about Zambia and Zimbabwe’s capacity to produce electricity yet Lake Kariba has water.

The two countries share the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba, managed by the Zambezi River Authority a Bi-National organization.

While low water levels can affect electricity generation, ConserveZim aims to clarify misconceptions regarding lake water levels and “dead storage.

News reports often express concern about low water levels in Lake Kariba. Sometimes, these reports lead to misconception about Zambia and Zimbabwe's capacity to produce electricity yet Lake Kariba has water. The two countries share the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba, managed by the Zambezi River Auth...

08/06/2024

Don't miss the June edition of the ConserveZim Newsletter!

Hi ConserveZim friends,

The June edition of our newsletter is coming out in just a few days! We share important environmental news and updates from Zimbabwe, and beyond but all for free.

To make it easier to stay informed, subscribe to our newsletter on our new look website! It's a great way to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

Of course, the ConserveZim team is always here to answer any questions you may have.

Happy reading!

29/05/2024

https://www.conservezim.com/2024/05/29/zimbabwe-launches-climate-change-bill-consultation-process/

Following the cabinet approval of the principles of the Climate Change Management Bill in 2023, a Climate Change Bill Consultation process has been launched in the capital Harare. The initiative marks a significant step towards a robust legal framework to address climate change in Zimbabwe.

The consultation process promises to be inclusive, with participation from a wide range of stakeholders. Academics, conservationists, parliamentarians, and the media all played a vital role in drafting the interim bill that will guide the consultations. This collaborative approach ensures that the final Bill reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of Zimbabwe’s people and sectors.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Joanah Mamombe, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Tourism, stressed the importance of public participation. “This stakeholder consultation and engagement process is vital because we all need a robust Climate Change Management Bill that reflects the unique needs and circumstances of our nation,” she remarked.

John Cassim Dried Tshatshane river in Matobo District in Matabeleland South in Zimbabwe, the image was captured early May 2024, by Cassim during an assessment of the effects of the El Niño induced drought. Harare, Zimbabwe - Following the cabinet approval of the principles of the Climate Chan...