Prince Harry joins community and conservation leaders who are driven to conserve Matusadona National Park and surrounding areas
Image: Elephant herds move freely between Matusadona National Park and the surrounding areas
In true One Zimbabwe spirit African Bush Camps welcome the announcement that the Duke of Sussex has pledged his support to the reformation of Zimbabwe’s; Matusadona National Park. The park located in northern Zimbabwe is bordered by the iconic Lake Kariba. Over decades both the local communities and wildlife have been fledged with hardships having been forcibly relocated to new, harsher areas.
“This is God's test: If we can't save some animals in a wilderness area, what else can't we do?” – Prince Harry (The Telegraph)
African Bush Camps Foundation has worked closely with the local Mola community and government stakeholders following the reopening the iconic Bumi Hills Safari Lodge which is perched atop a hill overlooking the lake. ABCF has invested in building strong relationships with the community, identifying the social and economic hardships faced daily. Great strides have been made over the years to empower this community through projects to rebuild the Mangwara Primary School and alleviate human/wildlife conflict, a problem which has crippled the community in the past. New strategies have been developed and implemented to promote human/wildlife coexistence.
Bumi Hills Anti Poaching Unit (BHAPU) is another key player who has committed to the safeguarding of wildlife in the area and has taken on the mission to encourage the return of species which have been lost to the landscape. BHAPU have realised incredible results through their conservation efforts; seeing a dramatic reduction in poaching incidents and a significant increase in wildlife populations.
Image: BHAPU operational overview 2018
With the added investment and focus on the region cast by Prince Harry, with collaboration between these community and conservation-focused stakeholders a very real and tangible difference can be achieved in this special corner of Zimbabwe, along with the people and wildlife.
"I believe that the worlds solution to crisis will be derived from nature and that’s why I believe the survival of the world’s wilderness areas are key to survival of humanity" - Beks Ndlovu, African Bush Camps Founder and Professional guide.
Join African Bush Camps on a Community and Conservation Safari to experience first hand the difference that can be achieved together.