Govt, animal welfare group strengthen wildlife protection ties

Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]

THE Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife has engaged animal welfare organisation Speak Out For Animals (SOFA) to explore ways of strengthening collaboration in the fight against wildlife crime and protection of the country’s biodiversity.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Mr Simon Masanga met SOFA founder and advocate Vimbai Chinoda on Thursday to discuss opportunities for closer cooperation in wildlife protection and environmental governance.

The engagement focused on advancing conservation, strengthening law enforcement and improving the protection of Zimbabwe’s wildlife and natural heritage.

In a post on Facebook, the Ministry said discussions centred on the possible establishment of specialised wildlife and environmental courts, as well as training magistrates and law enforcement officers in wildlife legislation.

The meeting also explored lessons from other countries on the integration of policy and technology in combating wildlife crime.

“For over 10 years, #SpeakOutForAnimals has advocated for animal welfare and justice for wildlife. The Ministry values partnerships that promote environmental governance and the protection of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage,” said the Ministry.

The proposed specialised courts could help strengthen the prosecution of wildlife-related offences by ensuring that cases are handled by personnel with a deeper understanding of environmental and wildlife legislation.

The Ministry said continued collaboration with organisations working in animal welfare and conservation was important in strengthening Zimbabwe’s efforts to safeguard its wildlife resources.