daniel chigunweIvan Zhakata and Anesu January
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has donated vehicles to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to boost the preservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
The 10 Isuzu 4×4 all-terrain vehicles symbolise the UAE’s shared vision for the preservation of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Harare yesterday, Ambassador of the UAE to Zimbabwe Jassim Mohammed Al Qasimi, said the UAE was committed to environmental protection and recognises the vital role that ZimParks played in safeguarding the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the country.
Amb Al Qasimi said the UAE Government understands that effective management and protection of national parks requires not only dedication and hard work but also the right tools and resources.
“As we are aware, Zimbabwe has been facing difficulties, particularly during the recent dry season, which has greatly impacted food security and the livelihoods of many,” he said.
“In response to these pressing needs, the UAE Government is ready to submit another generous donation to Zimbabwe, focusing on both renewable and non-renewable resources. This initiative not only aims to provide immediate relief but also to foster long-term sustainability.
“In addition to these vital resources, we are committed to delivering food supplies to ensure that no family goes hungry as we work together through this dry season. Our goal is to alleviate the struggles faced by the communities and to support the resilience of the people of Zimbabwe.”
Amb Al Qasimi said they recognise that education and social development were essential pillars of a thriving society and their efforts will also extend to enhancing educational opportunities and social programmes within Zimbabwe.
“We believe that by investing in education and social welfare, we can empower individuals and communities to build a brighter future,” he said.
“This initiative reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian aid. We stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe and we are dedicated to working hand in hand to overcome these challenges.”
ZimParks director-general, Professor Edson Gandiwa, said the donation signals a new level of unquestionable commitment and commencement of a strategic partnership between the Authority and UAE that strives to contribute towards the attainment of shared objectives on sustainable conservation of Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage.
“It is important to note that this nature of support and strategic partnership is coming at a time when the Authority, just like many organisations in the country and beyond, are still recovering from disasters such as the Covid-19 pandemic and El Nino-induced drought among others,” he said.
“The need for resources in the execution of our wildlife conservation mandate is much greater as we endeavour to implement our ZimParks five-year strategic plan which has number of measures to ensure effective conservation of Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage, and in so doing contribute to the national development agenda, that is, the National Development Strategy and ultimately to Vision 2030 which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-Income economy by 2030.”
Online Reporter
