How the Zambezi Network community can advance effective conservation actions

Although many international agencies have consistently contributed generously to the Valley landscape over the years, there is still a huge need for external funding if Zambezi Network members are to achieve their collective goal. The Zambezi Network aims to support these fundraising activities and assist the communication of activity and impact to a wide audience.

The Zambezi Network sets out to provide a catalytic platform that will enable the major components of the conservation landscape in becoming financially and managerially self-sufficient.

Goals

The role, mandate and ambitions of the Zambezi Network will evolve over time. However, below is an indication of some of the initial value that can be added to the impact of Network members.

1 - 3 YEAR GOALS

• Develop a publicly accessible database that shows clearly where conservation related activity is taking place and by whom. • Develop communications platforms and collateral, including publications illustrating Zambezi Valley conservation, that can showcase how activity meets global objectives and can lead to international recognition that will assist an improved visibility of Zambezi Valley protection and restoration activity. • Develop a mandate and the capacity to play a meaningful role in the efficacy of conservation impact delivery by members. • Develop an information platform to assist conservation efficiency and advocacy in opposition to illegal or inappropriate developments or threats to the biological integrity of the landscape. • Demonstrate to conservation stakeholders and wider audiences that information exchange and collective action can be a powerful catalyst to sustainable conservation. • Contribute to the development of the landscape’s strategic management planning. • Assist research to identify emerging conservation threats. • Cultivate a culture of transparent ‘open book conservation’ where collective leadership is catalysed by information sharing. • Assist with the provision of forums, events and campaigns to promote connections, conversations, synergies and collaboration between member organisations.

3 - 5 YEAR GOALS

• Function as a proudly Zimbabwean conservation community that showcases the diverse and powerful combined contributions to conservation by its members. • Improve understanding and mapping of impact and activity by members to inform local and international audiences and funding agencies. • Share successful models and strategies within the region for replication and cross-pollination of impact, including analysis of trans-boundary and regional conservation successes. • Contribute to a resilient suite of funding sources to maintain critical conservation activity by members, garnering local and international recognition and support. • Facilitate the regular distribution of informative reports and publications to illustrate member activity and collective impact, optimising collaborative potential.

5+ YEAR GOALS

• Play a contributing role in the effective reconciliation of competing forms of land use, achieved by delivering improved local incomes, education and reduced human-wildlife conflict. • Contribute to the free flow of adequate funding for essential conservation activity throughout the landscape. • Reinforce long-term protected area status and support sustainable commercial and conservation activity. • Work closely with the Ministry of Environment and the Wildlife Management Authority to deliver management and monitoring of the Biosphere Reserve.

“Sharing experiences and ideas, recognising the wins, identifying and filling the gaps, understanding the challenges and mobilising collectively to be a more effective force… these are at the heart of our vision.”