ZIMBABWE ONTO ITS BIODIVERSITY ECONOMY STATUS By Wadzanai D. Manyame
Zimbabwe is one of the most advanced countries in biodiversity in Africa. It holds much value in its natural reserves from the Miombo woodlands to the non-timber forestry produce, fisheries and wildlife. The natural reserves hold a lot of potential in terms of business development, tourism and contributing towards boosting the economy of the country. Outside of the tourism, fisheries, forestry and wildlife sectors, most utilisation of biodiversity is unaccounted for. The cumulative value of biodiversity in this country has never
been calculated and its full potential never really portrayed. Zimbabwe, under the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry with the support from African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has embarked on a journey to value its biodiversity through a biodiversity economy survey. The survey is being conducted by Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) in association with Anchor Environmental Consultants, a South African team of seasoned consultants, who are experts in conservation biodiversity and selected local experts from various institutions of
relevance economy.
to
biodiversity
As stated by Olivia Mufute, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) Country Director for Zimbabwe, the study is being carried out following a request made by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development requires a tool to inform policies in order to maximise the country’s inclusive wealth whilst ensuring the long term sustainability of its biological resource base. A study inception report has been drafted.
