By Kudakwashe Dube, Joshua Machinga and Hazel T. Chimbiro
Matusadonha Park Manager Michael Pelham together with ZELO Executive Director Mutuso Dhliwayo during the MoU signing ceremony
Matusadonha National Park, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with African Parks[1] marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening, community engagement, and sustainable conservation around Matusadona National Park.
The partnership, implemented under ZELO’s Land and Natural Resources Programme Management Unit (PMU), brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to promoting biodiversity conservation while ensuring that the rights and voices of local communities remain at the centre of conservation efforts.
As conservation efforts continue to evolve, African Parks is committed to ensuring that its operations are undertaken in accordance with international human rights standards and national legal frameworks and that efforts to conserve nature must recognize the rights andcontributions of those whose ways of life contribute to its protection. The organisation recognises that conservation activities may have direct or indirect impacts on neighbouring communities and has committed to identifying, preventing, and mitigating any adverse effects in a transparent and timely manner.
Through this Memorandum of Understanding, ZELO’s recognised expertise in community engagement, community led conservation, and the protection of vulnerable populations will be critical in ensuring that the principles of transparency, accountability and respect for community rights are observed. The partnership is primed on informing and raising awareness of local communities relating to access to redress for violations resulting from the Parks operations through existing dialogue platforms, including the Parks Grievance Redress Mechanism. This strengthens dialogue between communities and conservation authorities around Matusadona National Park.
The collaboration seeks to promote meaningful participation by local communities in conservation processes, ensuring that their perspectives, concerns, and aspirations are heard and incorporated into decision-making. This allows for meaningful participation of the bordering communities in the management of natural resources and derive meaningful benefits from the same, as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe section 13(4)[2]. Particular attention will be given to safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable groups, including women, persons with disabilities and children, who are often disproportionately affected by environmental and conservation-related interventions.
The MoU reflects the shared values of both organisations, founded on the principles of transparency, accountability, and constructive collaboration. Importantly, the agreement preserves the independence and objectivity of ZELO’s monitoring role, reinforcing confidence in bringing community concerns and track and follow up on the agreed actions fairly, impartially, and professionally.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to building trust with communities and supporting conservation approaches that protect both people and nature. By fostering open dialogue, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and encouraging inclusive participation, the partnership aims to contribute to more resilient communities and sustainable natural resource management.
For ZELO, the agreement aligns with its broader mission of advancing environmental justice, protecting community rights, and promoting equitable governance of natural resources across Zimbabwe. Through its Land and Natural Resources Programme Management Unit, ZELO will continue to work with communities, government institutions, conservation partners, and other stakeholders to ensure that environmental protection goes hand in hand with the protection of communities.
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of what both organisations anticipate will be a productive and impactful partnership. As ZELO look forward to supporting communities living around Matusadona National Park, strengthening community engagement, enhancing accountability, and fostering conservation approaches that deliver lasting benefits for people, biodiversity, and future generations.
[1] African Parks is a non-profit organisation registered under the laws of South Africa and takes on responsibility for the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. In 2019, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (PWMA) partnered with African Parks in a 20-year management agreement for Matusadona National Park – the first mandate for African Parks in Zimbabwe – with the vision to revitalise the park for wildlife and communities. Since then, a holistic management approach that includes good governance, effective conservation law enforcement, community engagement initiatives, and species reintroductions has begun the restoration and conservation of this important landscape.
[2] Constitution of Zimbabwe, section 13(4) states that the State must ensure that local communities benefit from the resources in their areas.