China has made good on its pledge to support Zimbabwe’s conservation efforts. It’s donated vehicles and equipment to the country’s national parks and wildlife management authority.
Zimbabwe’s endangered black rhino and elephant populations are coming under increasing attack from poachers, who are employing sophisticated methods. More than 60 elephants have been killed in the last three months from cyanide poisoning in in Hwange national park. In 2013, more than one hundred jumbos suffered a similar fate.Efforts to curb the attacks have been hampered by a shortage of manpower and resources to patrol the 16,000 square metre park. So China’s donation including heavy and sports utility vehicles and equipment comes at an ideal time.
“Our conservation efforts are under threat from increased poaching, illegal trade international restrictions and reduced community benefits form wildlife. These challenges have been exacerbated by our limitations as government to adequately monitor an enforce wildlife regulations due to limited resources and manpower.” Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister Of Environment
The national parks and wildlife management authority receives 45 million dollars annually but says it needs an extra 20 million to fully police the country’s national parks.
Earlier this year China and Zimbabwe set up a joint conservation taskforce, and during a recent state visit by President Xi Jinping, the two nations formalized that by signing a wildlife protection cooperation agreement.
China has stepped up efforts to clampdown on illegal wildlife trafficking. In October, it announced a one-year ban on imports of African ivory acquired as hunting trophies.
