KNOW YOUR ASSOCIATION: THE ZIMBABWE PROFESSIONAL GUIDES ASSOCIATION

The Z.P.G.A. operates with the fundamental aim of unifying its membership to amplify their collective voice in matters concerning the nation’s invaluable wildlife resources and the enduring preservation of designated conservation areas. The Association actively engages with policymakers to identify critical challenges and collaboratively formulate effective solutions aimed at safeguarding Zimbabwe’s diverse wildlife, their natural habitats, and the broader wildlife industry. This commitment extends beyond the present, focusing on long-term sustainability for generations to come.

A cornerstone of the Z.P.G.A.’s achievements lies in its collaboration with the government to establish and maintain a field guide qualification system recognized as one of the most rigorous and comprehensive in Africa. This robust system is not static; it is continuously refined and enhanced by the Association’s members themselves, ensuring that professional ethics remain relevant, meaningful, and aligned with the evolving objectives of the organization. While the Zimbabwe Government, through the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Z.P.W.M.A.), retains the ultimate licensing authority for guides, it acknowledges the Z.P.G.A.’s examining body as a crucial and dedicated partner in this vital process.

Membership in the Z.P.G.A. is not mandatory, and in fact, it is selective, restricted to individuals who meet the Association’s stringent criteria. However, for those who qualify, aligning with an organization like the Z.P.G.A., which boasts a strong and enduring legacy of upholding industry integrity and high standards, offers significant advantages. For agents, it provides a benchmark of quality to promote, and for guests, it guarantees a superior and reliable experience. In essence, individuals affiliated with the Z.P.G.A. are widely recognized as embodying the highest guiding standards and, more importantly, principles in the African continent.

The Z.P.G.A.’s mission is deeply rooted in ensuring wildlife conservation through active public engagement, comprehensive education initiatives, and consistent advocacy for well-regulated wildlife operations and sustainable utilization practices. The Association envisions a society that truly values its wildlife heritage, actively participates in its conservation, and understands and supports the crucial role of responsibly managed operations in the sustainable use of wildlife and their natural spaces.

To achieve this vision, the Z.P.G.A. has established several key objectives. These include instituting and promoting the widespread adoption of a high and ethical standard in all interactions with wildlife, be it hunting or photography. The Association is committed to preventing and penalizing any illegal or unsportsmanlike practices in hunting, consistently encouraging and insisting upon honourable and sportsmanlike conduct within the profession and the sport. Furthermore, the Z.P.G.A. aims to regulate or prohibit its members from providing services to individuals who have engaged in illegal or unsportsmanlike conduct related to wildlife or who are deemed undeserving of such professional guidance.

The Z.P.G.A. actively promotes and assists in the preservation of Zimbabwe’s rich flora and fauna, striving to maintain the highest levels of professionalism in all aspects of safari hunting and guiding. It is also dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the interests and welfare of its members and their employees. Recognizing the interconnectedness of conservation efforts, the Association actively seeks to cooperate with other organizations in Africa and globally that share similar objectives.

Crucially, the Z.P.G.A. is committed to full cooperation with the Government of Zimbabwe and relevant ministries concerning tourism and wildlife. This includes ensuring its members’ compliance with all legislation governing tourism, national parks, game reserves, forest land, and wildlife management. The Association pledges its utmost cooperation with officers of the National Parks and Wildlife Authority and other government bodies in the execution of their duties related to the preservation of flora and fauna.

Beyond these core principles, the Z.P.G.A. also provides assistance to its members and their employees and fosters collaboration with individuals and entities directly involved in hunting or professional guiding. The Association serves as a platform for discussion on matters of mutual interest. It is committed to ensuring that members consistently provide proper and professional services, equipment, vehicles, accommodation, and staff of a high standard to both local and international sportsmen.

The Z.P.G.A. actively works to prevent illegal and unsportsmanlike disturbances or destruction of wildlife and their habitats by its members and their clients. It also seeks to regulate the employment practices of its members in the hunting and guiding sectors and provides valuable information to those wishing to engage in hunting, photography, or travel in Zimbabwe. The Association maintains a strong collaborative relationship with the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe and regulates the publication of advertisements or press releases by its members that may contradict the Association’s objectives.