Overview: A landmark regional gathering in wildlife conservation
The Zimbabwe National Parks Authority (ZIMPARKS) hosted an international wildlife conservation symposium in October 2025, drawing experts and stakeholders from across Southern Africa and beyond. Held on 22–23 October, the event aimed to catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, sustainable tourism, transboundary resource management, and related fields. By convening researchers, government officials, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous and local communities, and private sector partners, the symposium sought to align scientific advances with practical, community-centered solutions that advance sustainable development.
Key themes: Conservation, development, and regional cooperation
The program explored current trends, challenges, and opportunities in environmental conservation, with a strong emphasis on linking wildlife protection to broader development outcomes. Attendees examined how innovative technologies and community-based strategies can support resilient ecosystems while delivering tangible benefits to local populations. A central thread was the relationship between biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods, underscoring how conservation initiatives can drive economic and social progress.
Transboundary collaboration and the Kavango–Zambezi Area
A core objective was to deepen regional collaboration around shared ecosystems, notably the Kavango–Zambezi (KAZA) Trans-Frontier Conservation Area. Participants discussed joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement to prevent poaching and illegal trade. The symposium highlighted how cross-border governance, harmonized legal frameworks, and data-driven management can strengthen regional conservation outcomes while reducing conflict over natural resources.
Community-based conservation and financing models
The event showcased people-centric conservation models such as CAMPFIRE, which channels revenue from regulated trophy hunting into community infrastructure and services. Speakers emphasized how community ownership, benefit-sharing, and transparent governance are essential for long-term project success. Additional discussions covered innovative financing mechanisms, including performance-based funding, blended finance, and the strategic use of technology to monitor wildlife populations in real time.
Technology and governance in wildlife management
Technological tools featured prominently, with demonstrations of platforms like Earth Ranger and SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) that enable accurate patrol planning, animal tracking, and rapid response to incidents. The participants explored how these tools improve transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of conservation programs, while also supporting research and policy development.
From policy to practice: Strengthening legal frameworks and partnerships
The symposium underscored Zimbabwe’s leadership in African conservation by aligning national efforts with global sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Delegates discussed how robust legal frameworks, transparent governance, and strategic partnerships can attract international investment and foster long-term collaboration. Notable partnerships highlighted at the event included ongoing relationships with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), African Parks, Peace Parks, and the Frankfurt Zoological Society, which collectively strengthen regional conservation capacity.
A focus on people: Youth, communities, and local ownership
Event organizers stressed the importance of elevating community voices in wildlife management. Initiatives to support students in wildlife-adjacent regions, address human-wildlife conflict through predator-proof enclosures, and promote community-led tourism were highlighted as essential components of sustainable conservation. The symposium served as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering networks that empower local beneficiaries to shape conservation outcomes.
Outcomes and impact: Positioning Zimbabwe as a hub for regional conservation
With over 100 participants from Southern Africa and beyond and registrations from several countries—including South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana—the symposium reinforced Zimbabwe’s role as a regional conservation hub. The event facilitated new partnerships and funding opportunities, helping to translate ideas into scalable conservation projects that support biodiversity while benefiting communities. By showcasing successful models and practical strategies, ZimParks positioned Zimbabwe as a leader in regional biodiversity stewardship and sustainable development.
Looking ahead: Integrating conservation with development goals
The symposium concluded with a shared commitment to mainstream biodiversity into national development plans, pursue cross-border initiatives within the KAZA framework, and continue strengthening tools, governance, and funding for wildlife management. The gathering highlighted that effective conservation is not isolated from economic and social progress; rather, it is inseparable from sustainable livelihoods, transparent governance, and inclusive participation across generations.
