By Derick Tsimba

Government recently received anti-poaching equipment worth thousands of dollars from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Sino Zimbabwe Wildlife Foundation, The Harare Post can report.

On its Facebook page, the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry said Zimbabwe anti-poaching crusade had received a major boost through a donation of anti-poaching equipment worth US$62 000.

“Zimbabwe’s anti-poaching crusade received a major boost as the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry was officially handed over the Anti-Poaching Equipment by Chinese Academy of Sciences and Sino Zimbabwe Wildlife Foundation. The donation was comprised of 6 drones,1 laptop, 1 projector, 1 oil pump for truck, 1000 school bags and 6 first aid bags with the value of US$ 62 000 towards the anti poaching operation and wildlife conservation program in Mana Pools. The donation was handed over to Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

“Sino-Zimbabwe has emerged as a serious player in support of conservation of resources as drones are proving to be one of the developing and effective high-tech state of the art tools being adopted and adapted to strengthen the capacity of national wildlife conservation agencies world-wide. The drones are mainly useful in monitoring the distribution of faunal species, detecting and monitoring incidents of trespassing and illegal settlement encroachment into protected areas and accessing areas with rough terrain for research purposes.”

The donation has come at the right moment when Zimbabwe Parks is implementing its five year strategic plan that ensures the protection of the nation’s heritage for the present and future generations.