September
29 September - ‘Poachers wiping out rhino’… The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says that South Africa’s rhinos are disappearing at a record rate. WWF and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife leader Jacques Flamand told The Times that the high number of rhinos killed by poachers this year shows that South African rhinos were under “serious threat” — particularly black rhinos. From: The Times
29 September - Painted Dog population falls 99%, but community efforts could save species: An interview with Peter Blinston of Painted Dog Conservation… The painted dog, or African wild dog, was once found widely across Africa but relentless persecution by humans, coupled with habitat loss and spread of disease from domestic dogs, has driven the population down from 500,000 to less than 5,000 over the past century. The species is now listed as endangered by the IUCN. While the outlook is not good in many countries, there are emerging signs of hope, particularly in Zimbabwe where the efforts of a community-based conservation project has nearly doubled the population of the dog to 700 individuals. From: Mongabay.com
28 September - Ozone depleting substances phasing out funding, a challenge… The Zimbabwe Ozone Office in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, says while developing countries have made significant progress in phasing out ozone depleting substances, funding for institutional strengthening programs remains a major challenge. From: ZBC News
27 September - Africa’s boundary-breaking safari park… The Tuli Block, sometimes called “Botswana’s best-kept secret”, is a great sweep of land at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. Climb to the top of one of the high kopjes (rocky outcrops) in the middle of the block and you will see the mopane veld stretching to the far horizon, broken only to the south by the dark forests of the Limpopo Valley. Tuli is the heart of the Limpopo-Shashe transfrontier protection area – or Peace Park. The park, the result of an agreement between Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, will allow animals to roam unchecked across national boundaries in a vast area of southern Africa. From: Times Online (UK)
26 September - Poachers out of control in Zimbabwe… A breakdown in law enforcement against rhino poaching and horn smuggling in Zimbabwe is threatening the success of more than a decade’s work bringing rhino populations back up to healthy levels. From: The Zimbabwe Tribune
25 September - Zimbabwe too lax on rhino poaching: WWF… The World Wildlife Fund on Thursday criticised the release of four poachers who admitted to killing 18 rhinos in Zimbabwe, saying such lax law enforcement is unravelling conservation progress. From: AFP
25 September - Poachers walk free as assault on Zimbabwe rhinos escalates… A breakdown in law enforcement against rhino poaching and horn smuggling in Zimbabwe is threatening the success of more than a decade’s work bringing rhino populations back up to healthy levels. From: WWF
Teachers’ resources from the International Rhino Foundation
21 September - Rtd Maj Mbewe leaves Parks… The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority’s (ZPWMA) Public Relations Manager, Retired Major Edward Mbewe, has left the organisation and joined the Parliament of Zimbabwe. From: Sunday News
21 September - Deal to revive tourism industry… Players in the tourism sector have expressed optimism that the historic political settlement that was reached in Harare on Monday is going to usher in a new economic dispensation that is expected to revive the tourism industry in the country. From: Sunday News
18 September - Environmental clean up campaign in Mabvuku/ Tafara… The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) is conducting a major environmental clean up campaign in Mabvuku/Tafara this Saturday the 20th of September 2008. This activity is part of the Grassroots Advocacy Initiative (GAI) programme being implemented by the Association. From: The Zimbabawe Tribune
17 September - Untapped resources promise new ‘scramble for Africa’… Robert Mugabe loves to blame hated colonialists for Zimbabwe’s plight, but his ruinous economic policies are likely to hand a new breed of modern-day City imperialists the opportunities of a lifetime. The resource-rich country is awash with untapped reserves of gold, platinum, diamonds, copper and a host of lesser minerals. Its game parks and wildlife offer undreamt of opportunities in tourism, especially with the 2010 football World Cup in neighbouring South Africa. All are now available at bargain basement prices. From: Times Online (UK)
17 September - Ministers to Meet Over Zambezi Commission… Water ministers of countries that share the Zambezi River will finally launch a long-standing initiative to promote sustainable utilisation of water resources at a meeting in Tanzania in November 2008. The Zambezi River flows through eight southern African countries (Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) and sustains more than 40 million people in its 2,700 km journey to the Indian Ocean. From: AllAfrica.com
17 September - No to Ozone Depleting Substances – Nhema… Government has stepped up its efforts to mitigate the illegal trade in Ozone Depleting Substances and ensuring that they are not diverted to illegal uses, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Cde Francis Nhema, has said. From: AllAfrica.com
16 September - Scramble for Zimbabwe’s Resources… Zimbabwe is awash with untapped reserves of gold, platinum, diamonds and a host of other minerals. It’s game parks and wildlife offer undreamt of opportunities in tourism and all these are now available at bargain prices. From: My Zimbabwe Today
16 September - Suspect tenders at Gonarezhou cancelled… The department of National Parks and Wildlife has terminated 10 lease agreements awarded to private companies – suspected to be owned by government officials – to develop the Gonarezhou National Park as part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. The leases were withdrawn after the companies failed to honour their obligations with the government. From: The Zimbabwe Times
16 September - Kruger Park elephants to find new home in Moz… Skukuza – Operations to capture six elephant bulls in the Kruger National Park began on Monday to relocate them to Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park. The relocation comes as the reserve plans to restock the 350 000-hectare park which fell into ruin during Mozambique’s 16-year civil war. ”I trust that this move will further cement the regional conservation role that the Kruger Park has assumed since the establishment of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. From: BuaNews Online
15 September – Agency Warns Against Streambank Cultivation… The Environmental Management Agency in Mashonaland East Province has warned that it will descend heavily on streambank cultivators this rainy season. The agency said it would prosecute all those found carrying out agricultural activities in wetlands or near streams and rivers. From: AllAfrica.com
11 September – Company Reviving Forest Plantations in Cities… Forestry Company of Zimbabwe has embarked on programme to revive forest plantations in the country’s urban areas as it moves to re-green the cities and mitigate the effects of climate change that comes with deforestation. From: AllAfrica.com
10 September – Biomass Energy for Zimbabwe – Energy From Human and Animal Waste… According to a Herald report sometime in February 2008 the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) indicated that they were considering reviving the biogas digesters that have been lying idle at Firle and Crowborough waterworks in Harare to cut down on energy costs. From: Zimbabwe Metro (also here on The Zimababwe Times)
New website: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management Association - The information on this website varies from Ranger biographies to scientific studies, operational tactics to management strategies and Obituaries to a live discussion forum for Association members.
9 September – Authority to Terminate 10 Gonarezhou Leases… The Parks and Wildlife Authority may terminate leases awarded to private investors who are failing to undertake strategic projects in the Gonarezhou National Park. From: AllAfrica.com
9 September – Taskforce on environment set up… Climate scientists have chosen Zimbabwe to be part of a 12-member international taskforce that will look into the issues of greenhouse gases emissions. From: ZBC News
9 September – Govt Working on New Energy Policy… Zimbabwe has the capacity to save more than 200 megawatts of energy through the efficient utilisation of available energy supplies and implementation of demand side management programmes. From: AllAfrica.com
9 September – Zinwa Increases Fines for Using Hosepipes… ZINWA has with immediate effect increased fines for using hosepipes connected to its mains in Harare from $7,50 to $10 000 for domestic consumers and $1 000 to $50 000 for commercial users. From: AllAfrica.com
6 September – Fair Water Allocation Needed… The death of four people from cholera in Chitungwiza and others in Mabvuku-Tafara last year stresses once again in the most graphic way that much better management of water supplies in Harare’s metropolitan area is needed. From: AllAfrica.com
5 September – Global warming sea level rise may not be so dramatic… A new Colorado University study has pegged rise in sea levels to six feet by 2100, rather than the 20 feet feared by some scientists. Calculations were made using conservative, medium and extreme glaciological assumptions for sea rise expected from Greenland, Antarctica and smaller glaciers, the three primary contributors to sea rise. From: Zimbabwe Star
5 September – Zambezi River canoe trip: Up close and personal… You know you are on a serious African safari when, on your first morning – before you have actually set out – your fellow travellers sit around sipping beer and telling tales of wild animal attacks that have taken place in the recent past. From: Telegraph.co.uk
4 September – Namibian Leader Comments on Challenges in Conserving Biodiversity… President Hifikepunye Pohamba on Thursday officially opened the 2008 Leadership for Conservation in Africa (LCA) meeting at a local hotel in the capital. Addressing delegates from 26 African countries as well as China, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States of America (USA) during a breakfast meeting, Pohamba noted that Namibia has made a significant investment through the Protected Area Network (PAN), which currently covers over 14 per cent of the country’s land surface area. From: Red Orbit
4 September – Timber Producers Seek New Markets… The Timber Producers Federation is considering penetrating new markets in the region to boost revenue inflows and enhance viability, an official said on Wednesday. Chief executive officer Lloyd Mubaiwa told New Ziana that broadening the market base would significantly improve revenue from the timber business, which the hyperinflationary environment in the country has not spared. From: AllAfrica.com
News from E/The Environmental Magazine: The Ethical Hunter in Africa and The Great Elephant Debate
3 September – Parks athority captures, relocates 3,7m python… The Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has captured a 3,7-metre-long python at Borrodaile Farm along Hwedza Road in Marondera. The reptile was reportedly killing goats and sheep on the farm. From: The Herald
2 September – Victoria Falls coming alive again… Victoria Falls has a magic about it that all visitors experience. It almost ensures they will be drawn back to visiting one of the World’s seven natural wonders. It has always been alive with energy and bustling with tourists, even in the economic circumstances that Zimbabwe is experiencing. From: The Zimbabwean
2 September – Ban on NGOs lifted… Zimbabwe has lifted the ban on some non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but aid agencies have been cautious in their response. A notice from the social welfare ministry on 29 August announced the lifting of the ban, imposed ahead of the second round of voting in the presidential ballot on 27 June for alleged political bias against the government.
1 September – Zimbabwe District Calls for Renewed Government Effort on Solar Energy… In Zimbabwe, residents of Chihota – about 50 kilometers southeast of Harare – have expressed concern about authorities’ seeming lack of interest in establishing solar energy projects in their area. They say politicians should avoid making empty promises while campaigning. Instead, the residents want office-bearers to work with them to resolve the energy crisis. From: Voice of America
