Enos Denhere is a distinguished freelance investigative journalist from Zimbabwe, renowned for his insightful reporting on a wide array of topics impacting both his home country and the broader African continent. With over a decade of experience, Denhere has developed a reputation for his ...

Illegal wildlife trade cripples Africa’s GDP

13 Sept 2023  |  Southern Eye  |  English  |  Environmental Crime

The illegal wildlife trade, valued between US$7 billion to US$23 billion annually, significantly impacts Africa's GDP. This trade, driven by sophisticated criminal networks, involves high-demand products like elephant ivory, rhino horn, and pangolin scales. Poaching, exacerbated by political instability, poverty, and corruption, severely affects various species and ecosystems. Zimbabwe, facing high unemployment, sees locals resorting to poaching for survival, further complicating wildlife conservation efforts. International and local organizations are working to combat this issue through community engagement and stricter law enforcement.

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Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association United Nations Environment Programme International Criminal Police Organisation Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora National Prosecuting Authority

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farayi Machamire is a journalist.

Artisanal mining is a grey area in Zimbabwe’s conservation story

14 Apr 2023  |  The Independent  |  English  |  Wildlife Protection

The article explores the complexities of artisanal mining within Zimbabwe's Umfurudzi Safari Area, highlighting the challenges of balancing mining activities with wildlife conservation. Despite mining being prohibited in national parks, special exemptions allow operations in Safari Areas, leading to environmental concerns such as river pollution and habitat destruction. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, along with other organizations, is working to mitigate these impacts through various conservation efforts, including the construction of dams and the introduction of new wildlife. The article underscores the need for harmonized laws to protect ecologically sensitive areas from the adverse effects of mining.

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Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Zimbabwe Mining Federation Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Mines Ministry Unifreight Africa Ltd

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Andrew Mambondiyani is a journalist based in Mutare, Zimbabwe with more than 10 years journalism and media consultancy experience. Between 2010 and 2011 he served as a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at Massachusetts institute of Technology (USA).   In 2008 he served as a Middlebury Environment ...

Ian Mapira is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Let The Budget Translate into Climate Action: Expert

01 Oct 2023  |  enthusemag.com  |  English  |  COP-26

Zimbabwe has allocated $3.7 billion local currency towards climate mitigation, raising questions about its sufficiency for transitioning to renewable energy as agreed at COP-26. Competing priorities include disaster risk reduction and deforestation. Despite funding challenges, Dr. Byron Zamasiya from the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association believes the budget can drive climate action if properly allocated. President Emmerson Mnangagwa assured COP-26 delegates of Zimbabwe's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% per capita by 2030, although the country's readiness is questioned due to ongoing coal projects. The article highlights the need for clear guidelines and expedited climate legislation.

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Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association United Nations British Council

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Tendai Marima is a multimedia journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. She has worked for a range of international publications including Al Jazeera, the New York Times, Foreign Policy and NPR. She is also a fellow of the NEWF based in South Africa and a member of Fairpicture and the Everyday Projects....

Zimbabwe’s Chance to Shine

03 Dec 2021  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  International Relations

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established to curb the trade of conflict diamonds. Despite its successes, critics argue its narrow definition of conflict diamonds allows abuses in countries like Zimbabwe, where human rights violations in the diamond mining sector persist. Zimbabwe's recent nomination as KP vice chair has sparked debate, with some seeing it as an opportunity for reform, while others remain skeptical. The country's diamond industry, marred by historical and ongoing abuses, faces scrutiny as it prepares to potentially chair the KP in 2023. Activists and organizations highlight the need for transparency and adherence to human rights standards to ensure meaningful change.

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Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Kimberley Process Certification Scheme World Diamond Council Human Rights Watch Centre for Natural Resource Governance Global Witness

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Jeffrey Moyo is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

As forests felled wood shortage hits villagers in Zimbabwe

11 Nov 2024  |  www.ippmedia.com  |  English  |  Rural Challenges

In Zimbabwe's Manicaland Province, villagers face severe firewood shortages due to rampant deforestation, exacerbated by climate change and legal restrictions on tree cutting. The Forestry Commission reports significant annual forest loss, while the UNDP highlights the reliance on fuel wood for energy. Villagers like Linet Makwera struggle to find firewood, resorting to illegal purchases from wood poachers. Environmental experts advocate for alternative solutions like tsotso stoves and biogas, though affordability remains a challenge. The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and reforestation efforts.

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Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions Environmental Management Agency Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe UNDP

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Mary Mundeya is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe: Child labourers swarm the trenches of predatory Odzi

01 Oct 2023  |  Unbias The News  |  English  |  Poverty

Child labor is rampant in the gold-laden banks of the Odzi River in Zimbabwe, where children from nearby villages engage in hazardous artisanal mining to support their families. Driven by poverty, many children have abandoned school for gold panning, exposing themselves to dangerous chemicals like mercury. Despite government efforts to curb child labor, the practice persists, exacerbated by economic hardships and the allure of quick cash. The situation is dire, with significant school drop-out rates and the exploitation of young girls by gold buyers. Local leaders and organizations express concern, highlighting the need for more effective interventions.

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Zimbabwe Federation of Small Miners Association Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association World Health Organisation International Labor Organization Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare National Social Security Authority Ministry of Mines

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I am a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. I am currently the editor of the Business Connect Newspaper. I have worked with various global publications including Accounting and Business, University World News, and Business Report. I am comfortable with any beat be it politics, business, or ...

Granite Mining Firms Displace Defenseless Buja with Meagre Land Compensation in Zimbabwe

04 Aug 2022  |  Earth Journalism Network  |  English  |  Government Regulation

The article discusses the plight of the Buja community in Mutoko, Eastern Zimbabwe, where granite mining companies have caused significant environmental degradation and forcibly displaced local families. The companies, including CRG Quarries, Illford Services Mining Company, and others, have been accused of offering inadequate compensation, engaging in unfair contracts, and causing massive environmental destruction. The article highlights cases of individuals like Eddington Reza and Eunice Chakavinge, who have been negatively impacted by the mining activities. It also addresses the weak customary land rights that favor mining companies over communal land rights, the environmental impact of mining, and the specific challenges faced by women and children in the community. The report calls for better compensation, policy changes, and human rights due diligence processes. The Zimbabwean Government has begun to address these issues with new regulations, including a ban on raw granite exports to protect communal land rights.

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Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Minerals Marketing Authority of Zimbabwe Environmental Management Agency Action Aid Zimbabwe Humanitarian Eye Trustone initiative Internews’ Earth Journalism Network

Mandla Tshuma is a journalist based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Environmental (mis)management in Zimbabwe

28 May 2024  |  mg.co.za  |  English  |  Illegal Mining

Zimbabwe faces severe environmental degradation and water pollution due to illegal gold mining and sand poaching, with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) struggling to enforce regulations effectively. Despite imposing fines and pursuing legal actions, the EMA's efforts are hampered by insufficient deterrents, lengthy court processes, and a lack of prioritization by local authorities. The situation is exacerbated by high unemployment, leading many to engage in illegal activities for survival. The article highlights the need for economic reforms and stronger governance to address these environmental challenges.

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Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Environmental Management Agency

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