Published by the government of Zimbabwe
19 April 2004
Harare — DESPITE the many challenges facing the implementation of the proposed Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP), the initiative is still on track and providing a good learning curve for Zimbabwe as it seeks to support villagers living near the massive park.
Addressing guests at the launch of a World Conservation Union documentary titled "From the Shade into the Sun" last week, the Secretary for Environment and Tourism, Mrs Margaret Sangarwe, said Zimbabwe was yet to realise the full benefits of this unique experience.
Mrs Sangarwe said transboundary natural resources management initiatives like the GLTP were full of controversies because their science, economics, politics, cultural dynamics and practices were highly contested and complex affairs.
"Part of the complexity is caused by the multiplicity of interests in stakeholders. This documentary explores some of the interests and contestations of TBNRM (transboundary natural resources management) in the GLTP," said Mrs Sangarwe.
Although the governments of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa and other stakeholders were fully behind the massive 100 000 square kilometre game park, wrangles among the three states and villagers living around the park threatened its speedy implementation.
In what is planned to be Africa's biggest wildlife sanctuary, three game parks - Kruger (South Africa), Limpopo (Mozambique) and Gona-rezhou (Zimbabwe) - are to be merged.
At least 30 000 Mozambicans live in the area targeted for the park, while the Chitsa people on the Zimbabwean side of the megapark resettled themselves in Gonarezhou, claiming the land as their natural birthright.
Both communities are refusing to budge, saying they are not clear on the actual benefits of moving to make way for the initiative that is expected to significantly boost regional economic growth and increase tourism inflows.
Launched in December 2002 after Presidents Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique and President Mugabe signed a treaty at Xai Xai, Moza-mbique, the GLTP is expected to be fully operational within the next few years.
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