Revolutionising Conservation: Innovative new partnership ignites a thriving future for the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem

With the recent appointment of the first director of the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem, it is poised to elevate its status as a premier conservation area with the potential to make a significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development. 

Located in northern Zimbabwe along the Lower Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Ramsar Site. The park has large populations of hippo, crocodile, zebra, elephant and cape buffalo. It is also home to predators like lion, cheetah, wild dog, leopard and brown hyena.

“As a world heritage site with 600 species of animals and plants, 23 of them endangered, Mana Pools is one of the country’s most important landscapes for wildlife conservation,” said Professor Edson Gandiwa, Director General for Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).

This 9,636 km² landscape forms part of the Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area, a massive territory spanning 17,745 km² that enables unrestricted movement of wildlife throughout the region.

“ZimParks and Peace Parks Foundation have a history of successful collaboration in conservation and development, and together we will deliver an exceptional nature experience,” said Werner Myburgh, CEO for Peace Parks Foundation. “The significant biodiversity value of the area presents an opportunity for further economic development to benefit the ecosystem and associated livelihoods.”   

Negotiations over the park and surrounding safari areas began in 2022, culminating in a historic agreement between ZimParks and Peace Parks to co-manage the iconic Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem.

The agreement paved the way for a more structured relationship for the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem. It will lead to the creation of the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust, ensuring long-term sustainable management of the important heritage site.

“The area will be governed and managed in accordance with global best practices, ensuring that optimal mechanisms are developed for multi-stakeholder communication and co-operation,” said Kule Chitepo, who took the reins as the ecosystem’s new director this month, and is responsible for setting up and managing the Trust.

A Zimbabwean national, Chitepo brings extensive international experience in transboundary natural resources management policy and practice, as well as strategic partnership development, to this jewel of conservation landscapes.

In addition, he brings in-depth understanding of community-based natural resources management and ecotourism development.

“I envision the partners and communities involved in the landscape working closely together towards a common goal of fostering ecologically thriving fauna and flora to boost tourism and promote sustainable natural resource use, while actively involving and benefiting local communities,” he said.

“Community, commercial and ecosystem development present exciting opportunities for the partnership between ZimParks and Peace Parks, implemented through the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust, in close collaboration with the many parties involved in the landscape.”  

The private sector, civil society organisations and NGOs have played an important role in making the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem and the Zambezi Valley a flagship destination.

The integrated co-management approach is intended to strengthen relationships with the private sector and civil society organisations to elevate the profile of this incredible landscape to a world-class destination.

Following the agreement, an integrated management plan is being developed for Hurungwe, Mana Pools, Chewore and Sapi protected areas.

The management plan takes a participatory approach that will involve the government, private sector and communities, with workshops and consultations planned to involve all stakeholders in developing the vision for the landscape.

Under the new management plan, the area’s biodiversity will be enhanced through restoring habitats, monitoring species and increasing anti-poaching efforts.

In addition, infrastructure will be developed for sustainable tourism to the benefit of local communities and the environment. To date, an assessment of the existing infrastructure has been carried out and work is set to begin on prioritised developments this year.

“Local communities will be our partners in conserving and developing the habitat. They will participate in the conservation and economic activities arising from ecotourism and sustainable use of the natural resources in the Greater Mana Pools landscape, and they must gain meaningful benefits that improve the quality of their lives,” Chitepo said.