Harare, (New Ziana) — The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is hosting the inaugural International Wildlife Conservation Symposium, marking a historic milestone in ongoing efforts to promote science-driven wildlife management and sustainable development in the country.
The landmark gathering has brought together researchers, conservationists, and policymakers from across the globe to share innovative solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of the day, from climate change and human–wildlife conflict to pollution, invasive species, and uncontrolled veld fires.
Speaking at the opening of the two day event in Harare on Thursday, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Evelyn Ndlovu, who was represented by Ministry permanent secretary Tedious Chifamba, hailed it as a “true testament” to Zimbabwe’s commitment to science-based conservation and collaborative problem-solving.
”This symposium stands as a true testament to our collective commitment to science-based decision-making and data-driven conservation strategies. Science must always help us solve real-life challenges. Our solutions should be data-driven, location-specific, and community-centred,” she said.
The objectives of the symposium closely align with Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 model, a national framework promoting teaching, research, community service, innovation, and industrialisation, which underpins the national vision to attain upper middle-income status by 2030.
It also supports the country’s broader development blueprints, the National Development Strategy 1 (2021–2025) and NDS 2 (2026–2030), both of which place innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth at the heart of Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
Participants include delegates from across Africa, Europe, and Asia, with several presenting groundbreaking studies on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
The event also attracted strong institutional support from partners such as the Conservation Force, Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, and the Frankfurt Zoological Society, whose financial and technical contributions helped make the symposium possible.
Organisers expressed optimism that the symposium would become a permanent fixture on the regional conservation calendar, with future editions expected to expand participation to include community scientists, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) practitioners, and cross-ministerial collaboration.
”We envision establishing an active community of practice for researchers at regional or global levels. Our goal is to ensure that the knowledge shared here translates into published research with high impact, policy influence, and practical solutions,” said Ndhlovu.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to open engagement with stakeholders, pledging continued support for conservation science and innovation.
”We are your servants, we are committed to serve and save. Let us use this platform to build one another, exchange ideas, and collectively safeguard our natural heritage for generations to come,” Ndhlovu said.
The symposium continues on Friday with thematic sessions on biodiversity management, community-based conservation, and sustainable ecosystem restoration.
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