WWF Zimbabwe Donates US$20,000 Worth of Gear to ZimParks

The World Wide Fund Logo (image source)

Zimbabwe’s conservation frontline has received a vital boost. The World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature Zimbabwe has handed over uniforms, camping gear, and modern communication gadgets valued at US$20,000 to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). The ceremony, held in Victoria Falls on Saturday, underscored a shared mission to safeguard biodiversity hotspots in Sinamatella-Hwange and Kazuma Pan National Parks.

Empowering Rangers and Communities

WWF Country Coordinator Itai Chibaya stressed ranger welfare as a priority:

“WWF continues to support inclusive approaches that promote local stewardship and sustainable livelihoods. Ranger welfare is a priority. These men and women are the backbone of our efforts, and they deserve the tools, safety, and respect that match the scale of their sacrifice.”

ZimParks Director-General Edson Gandiwa welcomed the donation, noting its broader economic and ecological benefits:

“The rangers’ work, supported by this donation, helps protect wildlife, which brings lasting benefits to local communities through better conservation and new eco-tourism opportunities.”

Why Sinamatella and Kazuma Pan Matter

• Sinamatella, Hwange NP: A rugged zone of rocky outcrops, mopane woodlands, and grassy vleis, designated as an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) for endangered black rhino. Also home to dense elephant and buffalo populations.

• Kazuma Pan NP: One of Zimbabwe’s least visited parks yet strategically vital, covering 33,500 hectares within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). Its seasonal pans attract waterfowl and large herds of elephant, buffalo, roan, sable, tsessebe, and oribi, linking ecosystems across Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia.
  

Expert View: Gear Saves Wildlife

Dr. Mavis Chikwenhere, conservation biologist at the University of Zimbabwe, underscored the operational impact:

“Modern communication tools reduce response times to poaching incidents, while proper uniforms and camping gear enhance morale, reduce fatigue, and foster community confidence in conservation authorities.”

Bigger Picture

The donation is part of WWF Zimbabwe’s broader commitment to strengthen frontline protection and reinforce community-based conservation. By improving ranger readiness, WWF and ZimParks aim not only to curb poaching but also to unlock eco-tourism opportunities that sustain local livelihoods.