Zimparks gets $1m equipment
ZIMBABWE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) yesterday received anti-poaching equipment worth over $1 million, which included an aircraft for surveillance, two Land Cruisers, and two special operation aluminium boats.
The donation comes after two elephants died this week from cyanide poisoning.
The equipment was donated by Rhino Force Trust, a partner of Zimparks in the fight against poaching.
Speaking after viewing the equipment, Zimparks board chairman Mr Tichafa Mundangepfupfu said Rhino Force Trust had come at the right time to support conservation and anti-poaching efforts.
He said this was the first batch of anti-poaching equipment they were going to use in the Zambezi Valley.
“Over the past few years we had serious challenges with regards to poaching and l am glad that this is the step in the right direction,” he said.
“This partnership needs to be enhanced and our cooperation will have a brighter future. The Chirundu Anti-Poaching Project will be based in the safari area. Since the signing of our MOU we have tremendous progress in implementing the project.”
Mr Mundangepfupfu said apart from the equipment, their rangers were going to be trained and Zimparks Marongoro School would be renovated to ensure that children of rangers are afforded decent and quality education.
“The continuous training of our anti-poaching rangers form the line of defence for nature. Without the right training, equipment, management and support there is no way they can defend and protect the world’s natural heritage for future generations,” he said.
Mr Mundangepfupfu said Zimparks will continue working with its partners in the protection of wildlife and said the responsibility should transcend to all levels of society.
Rhino Force Trust (South Africa and Zimbabwe) general manager Mr Khurt Slight said the donor was going to continue assisting.
“We are assisting the national parks as best as we can. The donor has not put a limit on the amount they are prepared to donate as this is a long term assistance. He has love for Africa,” he said.
“We believe the anti-poaching activities can be controlled since animals have not been extinct in Zimbabwe, although there has been poaching. Stopping poaching will allow Zimparks to bring the black rhino in the area which will give us the Big Five. Tourism is all about the Big Five hence this will boost tourism.”
Hundreds of elephants have died in the Hwange National Park in the country’s north-west, and elsewhere, in recent years, as poachers poison watering holes or salt pans with cyanide, a deadly and fast acting chemical compound.