THE government has taken a significant step to bolster regional conservation efforts, with Environment, Climate and Wildlife minister Evelyn Ndlovu meeting Zambia’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Wilson Tembo, last week.
The high-level engagement underscores renewed bilateral efforts to safeguard Lake Kariba’s fragile ecosystem amid rising concerns over overfishing, poaching and escalating human-wildlife conflict, while strengthening cross-border conservation under existing transfrontier frameworks.
The meeting focused on enhancing co-operation in biodiversity conservation, particularly within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (Kaza) and the Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Lake Kariba, a vital source of livelihoods for communities in both countries, was central to the discussions.
Created in the 1950s following the construction of Kariba Dam, the lake is one of Africa’s largest man-made water bodies, stretching more than 280 kilometres along the Zimbabwe-Zambia border.
It supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles and more than 300 bird species, while sustaining thousands of fishermen and their families.
"We are committed to protecting Lake Kariba and its inhabitants," Ndlovu said. "We need to limit fishing rigs and curb poaching to ensure the lake's ecosystem is preserved for future generations.
"We also need to address the issue of human-wildlife conflict, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in areas surrounding the lake."
- Two more teachers deployed at Ngungumbane Satellite School
- Education crisis needs sober heads
- Two more teachers deployed at Ngungumbane Satellite School
- Education crisis needs sober heads
Keep Reading
Tembo reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to joint conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of collaboration under the Zimbabwe-Mozambique-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area initiative.
“We must work together to address human-wildlife conflict, especially involving elephants along our shared border,” he said.
“Zambia is committed to strengthening our partnership with Zimbabwe to protect our shared natural resources and promote sustainable development.”
The meeting also addressed unsustainable fishing practices on the lake, with Ndlovu stressing the need for coordinated measures to prevent overfishing and safeguard fish stocks.
"We are working on a joint management plan to ensure the sustainable use of Lake Kariba's resources," she said.
As the current Kaza chairperson, Ndlovu commended Zambia's conservation leadership during its tenure and pledged to carry forward the baton of regional co-operation.
"This engagement signals a renewed, coordinated approach by Zimbabwe and Zambia to protect Lake Kariba, strengthen biodiversity conservation, and safeguard livelihoods for generations to come," she said.
Beyond conservation, the lake remains critical to both economies, providing hydroelectric power, supporting tourism and serving as a vital source of food and income for thousands of people.
