By Evans Dakwa
In a move that shows confidence in the efforts and leadership by Harare in the conservation of the environment, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has announced the reinstatement of its office in Harare.
The decision is an endorsement on local conservation efforts and will no doubt bolster these in the medium to long term.
Mr Luther Bois Anukur from IUCN office in Nairobi met with the Minister of Environment and Climate on the sidelines of the 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN-20).
He, noted Zimbabwe’s significance as the founding nation of IUCN in Africa and announced the reinstatement of the IUCN office in Harare, a reflection on the government of Zimbabwe’s renewed dedication to conservation.
A partnership between IUCN and ZimParks on the €3 million Financing Facility for the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust (GCT) is set tol bolster local conservation initiatives.
On her part, the Minister expressed gratitude to IUCN for its longstanding support since the early 1990s, and particularly for the successful SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) summit held in Zimbabwe in May 2025.
IUCN will also host the Southern Africa Ramsar Regional Initiative (SARRI) at the Wetlands COP15 Victoria Falls ZW to be held next week. Additionally, IUCN pledged to assist Zimbabwe in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Fund, contingent on the submission of biodiversity project proposals.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).