Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) in partnership with Wild Africa convened a Conservation Roundtable Conference yesterday in Harare.
The conference, which brought together representatives from tourism businesses, conservation organizations, and local communities, focused on the challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainable practices.
Speaking at the Conservation Roundtable Conference, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, reiterated the significance of these initiatives.
“Zimbabwe remains a sustainable tourism destination, and our communities are a major cog in the successful implementation of our tourism initiatives, tourism businesses, conservation organizations, and local communities must work together to ensure tourism benefits both conservation efforts and local populations, while still providing an enriching experience for tourists,” she stated.
In her address, Minister Rwodzi spoke about the importance of the conference lauding the collaborative efforts of ZTA and other stakeholders.
“We are bringing together a team of experts to dissect the challenges affecting the tourism sector, identifying areas for improvement, and celebrating our successes, our goal is to raise awareness among tourists about responsible travel practices and the intrinsic value of conservation fostering a sustainable and resilient tourism industry,” said Minister Rwodzi.
Minister Rwodzi also acknowledged the pivotal role of Wild Africa Fund in helping Zimbabwe showcase its unique offerings.
“By roping in influencers from various sectors, Wild Africa has helped spread the word to Zimbabweans, both at home and abroad, and to people from other nations about what Zimbabwe has to offer.”
Guy Jennings, the coordinator for Wild Africa, highlighted the collaborative nature of the platform.
“By fostering collaboration, we can address the pressing issues constraining the sector, like poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict,” this platform allows experts to share their experiences and come up with actionable solutions,” Jennings said.
Discussions centered on finding a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation, along with developing strategies to enhance community involvement in wildlife conservation efforts.
Moreover, the conference is seen as a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future for Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, with a clear message that protecting natural resources and empowering local communities go hand in hand with promoting tourism.
