Antony Chawagarira
ZIMBABWE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) Director General Professor Edson Gandiwa has been honoured with the Most Inspiring Conservation Leader Protecting Africa’s Wildlife Award in recognition of his contribution to wildlife conservation and leadership.
Professor Gandiwa received the prestigious accolade during the 2026 Global Impact Leaders Summit and Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa, recently.
The award recognises his transformative leadership in advancing wildlife conservation and promoting approaches that foster coexistence between people and wildlife.
The recognition, according to ZimParks, was not only a personal achievement for Professor Gandiwa, but also an affirmation of the leadership, dedication, and collective efforts being made to protect Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage.
“The award goes beyond an individual. It is an affirmation of the leadership, dedication, and collective effort behind wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe,” said the authority.
Prof Gandiwa’s recognition comes as Zimbabwe continues to advance wildlife conservation and management initiatives aimed at protecting the country’s rich biodiversity while addressing challenges associated with human-wildlife coexistence.
The authority said the award reflected the collective work being undertaken by conservation stakeholders to safeguard Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage. The international recognition demonstrates that Zimbabwe’s conservation efforts are receiving growing appreciation beyond the country’s borders.
“The award signifies that our conservation efforts are being appreciated and recognised beyond our borders,” the authority said. The recognition also highlights Zimbabwe’s contribution to shaping the future of wildlife conservation on the African continent, particularly through efforts to balance wildlife protection with the interests and livelihoods of communities living alongside protected areas.
A ZimParks press release said the accolade reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s important voice and role in advancing conservation in Africa.
Professor Gandiwa’s recognition is expected to further inspire conservation practitioners and stakeholders as the country continues working to protect its wildlife resources, strengthen conservation management, and promote sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.
Zimbabwe is home to diverse wildlife species and extensive protected areas, making conservation an important component of the country’s environmental protection, tourism, and broader economic development efforts.
