The Ivory Paradox: Zimbabwe Says Trade Ban Harms Conservation
John Cassim Zimbabwe has called for the lifting of the ivory trade ban, arguing that trading its existing stockpiles will raise much-needed funds to continue wildlife conservation efforts and help combat illegal wildlife trafficking. Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Evelyn Ndlovu, made this call during the CITES COP-20 Stakeholder Consultation meeting held in Bulawayo this […]
Congolese Ivory Trafficker Arrested in Lusaka With loads of Tusks
Six men including a Congolese suspected to be the Ivory trafficking kingpin, paraded after a raid that led to their arrest in Lusaka Zambia. John Cassim Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, through its Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), has nabbed a Congolese suspected to be the ivory trafficking kingpin in the country. Five accomplices […]
EMA Sounds Alarm on River Pollution: Demands Upgrade of Sewer Systems
John Cassim The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has urged planning authorities responsible for the Gwayi, Sanyati, Umzingwane, Nyatsime, and Umguza rivers to urgently invest in the rehabilitation of their sewer reticulation systems to prevent further environmental contamination. This call to action followed the EMA’s discovery of alarming phosphate concentrations exceeding safe limits in the Gwayi, […]
Airport Expansion: A Key Driver for Zimbabwean Tourism Growth, Says Minister
John Cassim Zimbabwe’s Tourism Minister, Barbra Rwodzi, has said the expansion of the country’s major airports is a crucial factor contributing to the growth of its tourism sector. Minister Rwodzi made these remarks during the 2nd United Nations Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas, held in Livingstone, Zambia. The Summit’s theme is “Advancing […]
Veld Fires: A Shared Responsibility in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, where agriculture is a cornerstone of many communities, the increasing threat of veld fires is exacerbated by climate change. Like other Southern African nations, the country faces unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and intense heat, which contribute to more frequent and severe fires, jeopardizing both livelihoods and natural resources. As global temperatures rise […]
Sound Environmental Management: A Key Factor in HIV Treatment Success in Zimbabwe
John Cassim The interconnectedness of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and HIV underscores the urgent need for Zimbabwe to fully adopt a One Health approach, recognizing the inseparable link between human health and the environment. This holistic perspective is crucial for safeguarding the effectiveness of HIV treatment. Consequently, there’s a strong call for Zimbabwe to empower the […]
The Dark Side of Animal Production: Antiretroviral Drug Misuse in Tanzania
Catherine Murombedzi – Health Correspondent A recent study conducted by Zuhura L. Kimera, Peter Shimo, Emmanuel C. Balandya, Mecky I. N. Matee, and Lisa V. Adams in nine districts in Tanzania has uncovered a disturbing trend in the country’s animal production industry. Researchers found that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, typically used to treat HIV, are being […]
Zimbabwe’s Lake Harvest, Faces Potential Closure; Appeals for 15% Fish Tax Exemption
John Cassim Lake Harvest, one of Zimbabwe’s largest fish producers, is facing imminent closure if the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) garnishes its bank accounts due to unpaid taxes, ConserveZim has learned. While the exact amount owed remains unspecified, sources within Lake Harvest indicate that the imposition of a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) has significantly […]
The Kombi Crash We Ignore: Zimbabwe’s Daily Toll of Cervical Cancer
John Cassim Imagine hearing that a minibus (kombi) full of women crashes every day, resulting in at least six fatalities. These are shocking statistics that would compel the Zimbabwean government to act. One might expect the Zimbabwe Republic Police to establish roadblocks, apprehend reckless drivers, and impound unroadworthy kombis to curb the carnage. The reality, […]
Zimbabwe Applauds Gains from The Resilience Building Fund: Embraces Second Phase
John Cassim Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has applauded the gains realised from the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF). Professor Obert Jiri made these remarks during the official launch of the second phase of the ZRBF, supported by a US$17.24 million pooled fund […]