The upsurge in poaching in Zimbabwe has complex roots, including continuing political instability, a foundering economy, and widespread corruption. The ruling ZANU-PF’s policies have also exacerbated the issue.
For instance, as part of the “fast-track” land reform programme, the government encouraged local subsistence farmers to invade wildlife conservancies where rhino populations were being protected and rebuilt.
In 2011, senior ZANU-PF officials and military officers also seized key properties and land in the Savé Valley conservancy, an area once heralded as one of the world’s most notable conservation success stories.
Ministers and local provincial leaders were controversially granted 25-year leases on the properties, justified on the basis of “wildlife-based land reform” measures to empower indigenous black Zimbabweans.
Finally, the alleged involvement of the influential CIO, which has historically acted as a secret police for the presidency, adds to this mix of dynamics aggravating Zimbabwe’s poaching crisis.
With the right leadership, Zimbabwe’s wildlife could be used to reinvigorate community ownership, and the nationwide resource that has been pillaged for the profit by the central state could be protected.
But given the depth of problem – exemplified by the alleged links between poachers and the CIO – it seems this change of direction will require a fresh government. This may come about sooner rather than later given the challenges facing President Robert Mugabe at present.
However, for the sake of the increasingly endangered rhino, time is of the essence. While a few groups continue to profit massively, the onslaught on wildlife and the environment in Zimbabwe is only worsening.
By Julian Rademeyer. This article is reproduced from African Arguments
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