Ecolex Logo
The gateway to
environmental law
Search results » Legislation

Zimbabwe National Elephant Management Plan, 2015- 2020

Country/Territory
Zimbabwe
Document type
Date
2016
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems
Keyword
Animal health Animal welfare Biodiversity Biosecurity Biosphere reserves Capacity building Management/conservation Monitoring Policy/planning Protected area Protection of environment Protection of species Sustainable development Wild fauna
Geographical area
Africa, AFRICA FAO, Eastern Africa, Landlocked Developing Countries
Abstract

This Plan ensures to continue with Zimbabwe’s proud history of successful elephant conservation. It is made on the recognition that elephant populations in most of Africa were reduced to very low numbers by the late 19th Century. It is also recorded that between 1990 and 2006, elephant populations have grown exponentially but said growth has been limited by an escalation of poaching. This is vital owing to the fact that Zimbabwe is one of the key elephant range states and home to the second largest estimated elephant population of nearly 83,000 individuals following Botswana. As such, the country recognises the obligation to ensure the survival of the species for the benefit of present and future generations of all stakeholders. Zimbabwe has always been proactive in the conservation of elephants. It first adopted a specific Policy and Plan for Elephant Management in 1997 with the long term vision to “Conserve elephants at levels that will enable them to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, national development and Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.” The vision of the Plan is to conserve elephants at levels that will enable them to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, national development and Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage. The targets of the Plan include; To maintain at least four demographically and genetically viable elephant populations in Zimbabwe; To maintain or increase core protected range of elephant in Zimbabwe; To maintain numbers / densities of elephant at levels that do not adversely impact on biodiversity conservation goals while contributing to economically viable and sustainable wildlife-based land uses in Zimbabwe. To build conservation capacity, the Plan ensures that sufficient and appropriately trained personnel, equipment, infrastructure and financing are mobilised, available and use efficiently and effectively.

Full text
English
Website
www.swm-programme.info