HARARE, June 5，2026 (NewsDay Live) - Zimbabwe has secured a US$5.7 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management in the Sebungwe wildlife corridor south of Lake Kariba.
It’s a key corridor linking Hwange-Okavango wildlife to the Zambezi River.
It is one of Zimbabwe's ecologically important landscapes, is home to diverse wildlife species and ecosystems.
The Ministry of Environment confirmed the development on its social media platforms describing it as a significant boost to the country's conservation efforts.
The funding, approved during the 71st GEF Council Meeting, will be complemented by US$25.6 million in co-financing, bringing the total investment in the project to more than US$31 million.
According to the GEF, the project seeks to unlock the biodiversity potential of the Sebungwe landscape through sustainable natural capital management and the promotion of community-based enterprises.
The initiative will strengthen the management of 494,000 hectares of protected areas while improving land management practices across 380,000 hectares of communal land.
The project will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Harare administration.
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“We extend our profound gratitude to the GEF for approving US$5.7 million in grant funding, alongside US$25.6 million in co-financing, during the 71st GEF Council meeting,” the ministry said, adding that the investment would help unlock the biodiversity potential of the Sebungwe landscape.
“This partnership highlights Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable natural capital management, biodiversity conservation, and the development of resilient, community-based enterprises.”
The project is expected to contribute to Zimbabwe's broader environmental and climate resilience goals while enhancing community participation in conservation initiatives.
