ZIMBABWE | CONSERVATION
COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION EFFORTS STEPPED UP IN VICTORIA FALLS
We are VICTORIA
FALLS
[ WRITER: Shelley Cox – We are Victoria Falls ] [ PHOTO: Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Wild Horizons, Bhejane Trust ]
Conservation efforts around the world have traditionally suffered from sectional and isolated approaches, whether it be at an organizational level, from a funding perspective or by focusing on a specific species. Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has seen so many on a global level insulate to ensure survival, the Victoria Falls community instead have been unique in their approach, and have united, and stepped up their efforts to support collective action and collaboration for conservation in and around the region. The collaboration has helped mobilise a variety of skills and resources focusing on a coordinated approach to impact on multiple levels to ensure the biodiversity of the region is maintained and conserved not only in readiness for the return of tourism, but for the future generations of Zimbabweans. Anti-Poaching Efforts Together with the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU), the Wild Horizons Anti-Poaching Unit and Zambezi Horse Safaris have increased their patrols whether in vehicles, on foot or on horseback. To date these organisations working collaboratively have covered more than 2,404 patrols in the last year, amounting to an estimated 36,300 kilometers, and through these patrols have recovered an estimated 1,858 snares.
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In addition, tourism stakeholders and members of the guiding fraternity who have been without work due to the pandemic, have TRAVEL & LEISURE | May - Aug 2021
also stepped up and have been assisting with manpower and logistical support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Rescue and Rehabilitation Working with the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, VFAPU Zambezi Horse Safaris, and the Wild Horizons Anti-Poaching Unit, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust have responded to endless reports of injured, snared or compromised wildlife and have during the last year rescued an estimated 50 different animals and birds, treating or rehabilitating them and returning them back to their natural environment where possible. Just one example of the many incredible collaborative successes was in November 2020, when two buffalo bulls, decided to take up residence in Victoria Falls town in CHOGM Park next to Cresta Sprayview Hotel. Together with the National Parks teams, stakeholders gathered to come up with a strategic rescue and relocation operation.
