Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Costa Mano Recently
24 June 2009
Chiredzi — COMMUNITIES living in areas adjacent to Transfrontier Conservation Areas should continue co-existing with wildlife so as to achieve the long-term economic growth for both the country and the communities, a Cabinet minister has said.
Speaking at a Community Day last week at Mahenye Primary School where he officially welcomed the Boundless Southern Africa Expedition Land Rover convoy Environment and Natural Resources Management Minister, Francis Nhema said communities should live in harmony with nature, as wildlife was part of their economic heritage.
"We have so many tourists to our wild parks because we have kept our natural heritage. Let nature stay the same. Today is a special day as we are showing the world that we live in harmony with nature although I believe we can do more," said Minister Nhema.
Speaking at the same occasion, Chief Mahenye said they had numerous cases of human and animal conflict with some people being killed or disabled mainly by elephants, which cross Save River from Gonarezhou National Park.
"As a community we will stay and continue preserving our wildlife, we were born within the area and all our lives we have interacted with wildlife.
"I'm grateful to the Boundless Southern Africa Expedition for realising the valuable role we play as a community in the preservation of our natural heritage," said Chief Mahenye.
In welcoming the 14-member delegation Minister Nhema said Government allowed them into the country because of the cause behind it.
Running under the theme Nature, Culture and Communities it is expected that the impact of the expedition which is expected to follow a route of approximately 10 000 kilometres over four months covering nine countries would yield positive results economically, socially and politically.
Team leader Kingsley Holgate said the success of the whole concept of TFCAs was dependant upon a balance between the community and the park.
He said that balance is going to be found by people with a vision for conservation.
"We are committed to durable and sustainable solution. This continent has a lot of potential for global tourism.
We have to make sure that those who follow will benefit from this resource in our hands as we have been fortunate enough to have had it passed down to us," said Mr Holgate.
Minister Nhema was then given a map of the route the team is travelling through Southern Africa with a message for President Mugabe reading: "Thank you for being the custodian of a special piece of "Mama Africa"-may the boundless vision of transfrontier conservation survive for our grandchildren's grandchildren and beyond. Siyabonga, tatenda and thanks."
The community day featured an exhibition football game, art competition, poems, drama and traditional dances.
The team donated mosquito nets, water purifiers, soccer balls, goal posts and nets and a floating trophy.
The team toured the Shashe area in Beitbridge where they interacted with the local community and held another community day before leaving Zimbabwe for South Africa enroute to Botswana and returning to Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls.
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