ZIMPARKS RALLIES STAKEHOLDERS AHEAD OF GLOBAL SUMMITS

In a proactive move to bolster its conservation efforts and solidify its stance on the international stage, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) recently hosted a crucial stakeholder engagement meeting. The focus of the gathering was on the critical issues of endangered species and waterbird conservation, serving as a vital preparatory step for two upcoming global environmental conventions: the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CITES CoP20) and the 9th Session of the Meeting of the Parties to AEWA (AEWA MOP9).

The meeting brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders, including government officials, conservation organizations, researchers, local communities, and private sector partners. Discussions centred on reviewing Zimbabwe’s current conservation strategies, identifying pressing challenges, and formulating robust proposals to be presented at the international forums. This collaborative approach underscores Zimparks’ commitment to inclusive conservation, recognizing that effective wildlife management requires a unified front.

CITES CoP20, scheduled for November 24 to December 5, 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, will address international trade in endangered species. Zimparks’ engagement meeting aimed to refine Zimbabwe’s positions on proposed amendments to CITES appendices and discuss strategies to combat illegal wildlife trade, which remains a significant threat to the nation’s biodiversity.

Similarly, AEWA MOP9, set to take place from November 10 to 14, 2025, in Gaborone, Botswana, will focus on the conservation of African-Eurasian migratory waterbirds. Zimbabwe, a signatory to AEWA, is keen to contribute to regional and international efforts to protect these vital species and their habitats. The stakeholder meeting provided a platform to assess the status of key waterbird populations in Zimbabwe, identify conservation priorities, and develop actionable plans for their sustainable management.

By engaging with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, Zimparks is not only strengthening its national conservation agenda but also ensuring that Zimbabwe’s voice is well-represented and influential in these critical global discussions. This proactive preparation is vital for shaping international policies that will ultimately benefit Zimbabwe’s rich natural heritage.