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, […]
Sustainable Beekeeping Builds Climate Change Resilience for Zimbabwean Farmers
Locadia Mavhudzi The Zimbabwean government is actively promoting rural community development through its Rural Development 8.0 initiative. This initiative prioritizes local solutions to address the changing climate and aims to transform the rural economy by focusing on value-added agriculture and enhancing food security. In line with this national thrust, communities in the Makoni district of […]
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 […]
Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables: A Prime Source of Micronutrients for People Living with HIV
By John Cassim Imagine living with HIV and having access to food, yet still suffering from under-nutrition. This condition, known as ‘hidden hunger,’ occurs when the quality of food consumed does not meet an individual’s essential nutrient requirements. “Even though they are eating, they are not obtaining the crucial vitamins and minerals necessary for their […]
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 […]
Biogas Project Empowers Mbire Community Against Climate Change
Lawrence Mutasa, feeding his biogas digester with cow dung mixed with water at his homestead in Mbire: Credit: John Cassim John Cassim In Mbire, as the day ends, familiar scenes emerge, women at boreholes, men collecting tiny logs for firewood. However, at Mr. Lawrence Mutasa’s homestead in Ward 17, the rhythm is distinct. Upon arrival, […]