STAKEHOLDERS in Kariba recently rallied to clean up Antelope Islands in a unified effort to preserve the area’s natural beauty and protect its wildlife.
The initiative, held under Operation Clean Kariba, aimed to restore the island’s ecosystem while promoting sustainable tourism in the resort town.
The clean-up underscores growing concern among tourism players and local authorities over the environmental pressures facing Kariba, as waste pollution and unsustainable practices threaten the long-term viability of one of Zimbabwe’s most valuable tourism destinations.
Kariba, one of Zimbabwe’s premier tourist hotspots, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. The town’s economy is largely sustained by tourism and fisheries, with visitors drawn to the majestic Lake Kariba, game viewing experiences and the area’s unique cultural heritage.
The clean-up exercise drew participation from lodge owners, tour agents, tour operators, fishermen and government officials.
“It is heartening to see community members taking ownership of our town’s cleanliness,” said Washington Ncube, a tour operator and director of Sunset Safaris.
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Kariba Publicity Association chairperson Eliwe Charuma praised stakeholders for their commitment to environmental conservation.
“We are happy to see stakeholders coming together to protect our environment. This is a great start and we will continue to support efforts that promote sustainable tourism,” she said.
Kariba Tourism and Business Indaba coordinator Cephas Shonhiwa said the clean-up exercise demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration.
“We are committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit both our visitors and local communities,” he said.
The initiative complements the Kariba Integrated Solid Waste Programme, which promotes biodiversity conservation, healthy ecosystems, equity and social justice.
The programme is critical as tourism, while economically beneficial, can place significant pressure on fragile ecosystems through pollution and poor waste management.
Antelope Islands clean-up also aligns with the Kariba REDD+ Project, which seeks to reduce deforestation and forest degradation while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
“The community's efforts will go a long way in conserving our environment,” Charuma said
The Kariba REDD+ Project has protected more than 784 987 hectares of forest and wildlife habitat, while also strengthening community resilience through school infrastructure rehabilitation and bursary support.
Local communities are also benefiting from sustainable agricultural practices that improve food security and household incomes.
Kariba’s conservation drive continues to position the resort town as a model for sustainable tourism, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.