BY STAFF REPORTER–
WWF Zimbabwe country co-ordinator Itai Chibaya has underscored the importance of putting people and communities at the heart of conservation efforts, saying this approach is vital for achieving sustainable development.
Speaking during the Africa Week 2026 commemorations in Libreville, Itai Chibaya stressed that local communities must play an active role in safeguarding and managing natural resources for conservation efforts to succeed.
“Communities are the backbone of conservation in Africa. By empowering them, we empower the future of our wildlife and wild spaces,” he said.
“Our work in Zimbabwe shows that when communities benefit from conservation, they become its strongest advocates. It’s a win-win for people and nature.”
Chibaya pointed to successful initiatives in Zimbabwe, including community-driven wildlife management programmes in the Zambezi Valley, which have contributed to rising elephant populations while also boosting local economies through tourism.
He emphasised that conservation strategies should prioritise the needs and rights of communities, ensuring that local people are fully involved in decision-making processes.
Africa Week 2026, which was attended by Kirsten Schuijt and other conservation leaders, concluded with the adoption of the Libreville Declaration — a pledge to fast-track action under the WWF Roadmap 2030. The event, held under the theme Leveraging Biodiversity for Africa’s Prosperity, highlighted the critical role of sustainable resource use and community participation.
WWF Zimbabwe’s initiatives demonstrate how conservation led by communities can help build a future where both people and wildlife coexist and flourish.