ZimConservation

By Amadou Kanoute, Executive Director of Greenpeace Africa

URL: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-12-04-an-environmental-renaissance

Africa could become a world leader in renewable energy and environmental protection. To achieve these goals we must end the reckless and sometimes criminal exploitation of Africa’s resources. 

This month, Greenpeace, the world’s largest environmental campaigning organisation, launched offices in Johannesburg and Kinshasa, followed in 2009 by Dakar. Our goals are to secure a switch to clean energy, end the destruction of forest and marine resources, and preserve the rich African heritage for the benefit of African people. Continue Reading »

By Dale Dore

From: African Studies Quarterly 5 No. 3

ABSTRACT 

A major question that has emerged from the research and discourse on community-based natural resource management in southern Africa is whether traditional rules comply with generally accepted principles of common property management. In other words: do traditional institutions offer a solution for the sustainable management of natural resources held in common? This paper traces the emergence of traditional institutions from the pre-colonial times to the present, and draws a comparison with one fundamental principle of common property management: exclusivity of resource use. Evidence from Zimbabwe shows that traditional rules governing natural resources contradict this principle. The study suggests that the gap between traditional institutions and design principles for sustainable common property resource management can be bridged by making small continuous institutional changes over an extended period of time. It also recommends that longitudinal studies – based on historical precedent rather than contemporary narratives – and cross-sectional studies are required for informed policy decision-making in order to transform traditional institutions. Continue Reading »

URL: http://www.newsnet.co.zw/index.php?nID=14386

The Minister of Environment and Tourism Cde Francis Nhema says the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the veterinary services staff have put in place measures to reduce the spread of anthrax which has killed 88 hippos and 18 buffaloes in the Gachegache area of Kariba.

In an interview Cde Nhema said the personnel have put in place strict monitoring mechanisms to stop the uncontrolled movement of game in the affected areas.

He said the outbreak has been contained to the area.

According to recent animal census conducted by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Zimbabwe has a population of 70,000 hippos and 30,000 buffaloes.

By Jennifer Mohamed-Katerere

From: African Studies Quarterly 5 No. 3

ABSTRACT

A widely held assumption about environmental management is that its success is dependent upon its relationship to the political process. This is expressed in the emerging but as yet inadequately defined concept of “environmental governance.” A recurring issue, in practice and in the literature, is the value and role of traditional institutions and systems in natural resource management. In particular, the relationships of accountability and representation between such institutional systems and local communities are questioned. This paper examines the relationship between formal and informal norms and institutions as an aspect of governance in environmental decentralization initiatives within Zimbabwe’s communal lands. Continue Reading »

From: UN News Centre

URL: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=28994&Cr=unep&Cr1=

Wildlife law enforcement officials are meeting in Kenya as part of a United Nations-backed effort to stop the escalation of rhinoceros poaching and break up criminal networks behind the increasing illegal trade in their horns, used in traditional medicines or as dagger handles.“The escalation of rhino poaching in recent weeks is threatening the success of conservation efforts undertaken by African and Asian countries over the last 20 years,” said Willem Wijnstekers, Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), whose secretariat is administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Continue Reading »

By Safari Njema, Chihota, Zimbabwe, 17 November 2008

URL: http://voanews.com/english/Africa/2008-11-17-voa61.cfm

Listen to report on Zimbabwe Muchakata Tree - Download (MP3)  
Listen to report on Zimbabwe Muchakata Tree - Listen (MP3)  

In Zimbabwe, the fruit of the Muchakata tree is saving thousands from starvation in rural areas. Many villagers now rely on the golden colored fruit to survive. Voice of America English to Africa Service reporter Safari Njema spoke to residents of Chihota village, who are creating interesting recipes from the tree. Continue Reading »

By Alex Morales

Nov. 14 (Bloomberg) — South Africa may start its first elephant culls since 1994 next year to protect other species harmed by their destruction of habitats.

South Africa’s elephant population has swelled to 17,000 from 200 in 1900 when hunting had slashed their numbers, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, South Africa’s environment minister, said Nov. 12 in an interview in London. That’s leading to overgrazing that threatens animal species including rhinos and antelopes, he said. Continue Reading »

By: Yolandi Groenewald, Mail & Guardian Online

URL: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-11-14-vietnam-embassy-in-rhino-row

A Vietnamese embassy staff member has allegedly been caught red-handed on film in an illegal rhinoceros horn transaction in front of the embassy building in Pretoria.

The footage was captured by the SABC’s nature investigations programme, 50/50, two months ago at a time when conservationists fear that the rhino wars of the Eighties are flaring up again. 

This year alone more than 40 rhinos have been killed in South Africa, with about 30 of them thought to have been poached in the Kruger Park and 12 in KwaZulu-Natal parks. Continue Reading »

On October 30, 2008, in Ottawa, the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) hosted a unique round table forum entitled “Securing Canada’s Future in a Climate Changing World”, which marks the organizations 20th anniversary. Dr. David Suzuki was the keynote speaker.

Here’s an excellent talk by him discussing, in his inimitable style, the current global environmental situation (albeit with a Canadian flavour but applicable globally) and the urgent need to deal with our incessant drive for continuous economic growth.

http://www.cpac.ca/forms/index.asp?dsp=template&act=view3&pagetype=vod&lang=e&clipID=2099

Source: The Zimbabwean

Introduction
Elephant conservation remains one of Zimbabwe’s main success stories. Of late due to reason beyond our comprehension this conservation initiative is under spotlight with varied opinions being expressed. This is manifesting itself in form of various misconceptions about the state of elephant conservation in Zimbabwe, including accusations of staff involvement in poaching. Continue Reading »

By Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe, Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)

URL for the full story with reader comments: http://allafrica.com/stories/200811110592.html

Botswana has described its November 1 ivory auction as disappointing, after reaping only US$7 million or P14 million from 43.3 tonnes of ivory sold to Chinese and Japanese bidders recently.

Botswana was hoping its ivory stockpile would rake in a substantial amount, according to Gaborone based Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) desk officer Diana Chimidza. She told Monitor they were not expecting to get this much from the sales considering the expensive nature of wildlife conservation. ” We had high expectations, especially from the Japanese bidders.

“They were 20 companies from Japan. If you have so many competing you hope for stiffer competition, but it did not turn out like we had anticipated. Only seven of the Japanese bidders were active, while the rest were observers. We did not manage to up the prices as a result,” Chimidza said in an interview on Friday.

At the end the Japanese companies bought 16.6 tonnes, while the Chinese bought 26.5 tonnes, according to Chimidza. Three Chinese companies qualified for the sale, but only two turned up for the Botswana sale. Beijing Mammoth Art, and China Natural Art & Craft Corporation took part in the bidding. Continue Reading »

EFD discussion Paper by PhD candidate Precious Zikhali

URL: http://www.efdinitiative.org/research/publications/publications-repository/fast-track-land-reform-and-agricultural-productivity-in-zimbabwe

The author investigated the Zimbabwean Fast Track Land Reform Program’s (FTLRP) impact on the agricultural productivity of its beneficiaries. The data revealed significant differences between beneficiaries and a control group of communal farmers in household and parcel characteristics and input usage.

The results suggest that FTLRP beneficiaries are more productive due to greater use of inputs. Results also confirmed the constraints imposed on agricultural productivity by poverty, suggesting that policies aimed at alleviating poverty will have a positive impact on agricultural productivity.

Available online at the EFD website (PDF file)

Reference: Precious Zikhali, 2008, “Fast Track Land Reform and Agricultural Productivity in Zimbabwe”, EfD Discussion Paper 08-30, a joint publication of the Environment for Development Initiative and Resources for the Future (www.rff.org), Washington DC. October 2008.

By Delta Law Milayo Ndou (Sunday News – Zimbabwe)

URL: http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=2112&cat=1

Amakhosi Artistic director and Kusile Rural District Councillor, Cont Mhlanga has made stunning revelations of alleged wanton looting and abuse of royalties and plunder of Communal Area Management and Protection for Indigenous Resources (Campfire) proceeds by the District Council employees, a development which has left villagers wallowing in poverty. Continue Reading »