Olga sawma revised symposium 2015 final

CIRCLE | www.acu.ac.uk/circle

Legal and institutional frameworks for natural resources management: implications for managing threats to wildlife and

biodiversity in the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve, Zimbabwe

Presenter: Olga L. Kupika (Msc, Phd Student, CIRCLE Visiting Fellow, UNISA)Co-author: Edson Gandiwa (PhD)

SAWMA Symposium 2015 (6-10 September): Responsible wildlife management: A key to biodiversity conservation


Layout of presentation

• Introduction and background to the study• Research questions• Materials and methods• Results • Conclusions and recommendations• Acknowledgements


Introduction and background• UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) programme launched in 1970 (UNESCO, 2011) • First programme to promote human – environment relationships (bottom-up approach)

• Based on principles of sustainable utilisation ad sound science

• governed by a "soft law" — the Statutory Framework for Biosphere Reserves— adopted by the UNESCO General Conference (UNESCO, 2011).

• most countries have not enacted special national legislation for biosphere reserves

• use existing legal frameworks for nature protection, land/water management .

(UNESCO, 2011)


Functions of a biosphere reserve


Introduction and background• The Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve (MZBR) under threat from a myriad of

anthropogenic stressors• Threats include: habitat encroachment land degradation climate change, deforestation, poaching and illegal harvesting of resources. • Volatile land tenure status in the transition zone• posing accountability issues with respect to environmental management


• Kariba corridor has numerous threatened and endangered species e.g. African elephant, black Rhino (Diceros bicornis), the painted wild dog, Lycaon pictus and the Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii),lion Panthera leo, cheetah Panthera pardus Hippopotamus, Lappet-faced vulture, Southern ground hornbill,

• Miombo woodlands also under threat from anthropogenic disturbances

• Need to enact national and local laws and policies to mitigate threats


Research Questions1. To what extent do legal and institutional frameworks for natural resource

management address such threats to biodiversity and the need for responsible wildlife management within the Middle Zambezi biosphere reserve?

2. What programmes, projects or strategies have been put in place in pursuit of the goals of sustainable utilisation of wildlife resources?


Description of study area

• Located 16°09’52’’S, 29°20’26’’E Central Zambezi Valley

• 2010, UNESCO designated about 44000km² of land within the Zambezi valley as a biosphere zone (GOZ, 2010)

• Part of this area includes Mana Pools National Park which was designated as natural world heritage serial sites in 1984 (UNEP, 2011).

• The MZBR includes riverine and terrestrial ecosystems unique to the subcontinentSource:http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/br/brdir/directory/biores.asp?mode=all&code=ZIM+01


Description of study area

• flora consist of Colophospermum/Combretum/Terminalia woodland and the Zambezi riparian forest, Dry savannah deciduous Brachystegia woodland

• At Mana Pools, it comprises the only flood plain ecosystem left in the Middle Zambezi.

Miombo woodlandfloodplain


Location and extent of Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve

Source: https://www.bfn.de/fileadmin/MDB/documents/themen/internationalernaturschutz/2011-AfriBR-11-Nduku-Zimbabwe.pdf


Terrestrial and aquatic resources in the MZBR

Kariba Dam

birds

African elephant

impala

Zambezi River


Data collection and analysis• Mixed methods approach• purposive sampling of documents via internet, national and local government publications

on natural resources management and biodiversity related laws and policies; technical reports

• Field observations• Case study approach gather empirical data from semi-structured questionnaires and key

informant interviews of traditional leadership, government officials, local NGOs, wildlife experts.

• Data analysis: thematic analysis; content analysis; frequency counts, evidence analysis


RESULTS


Biodiversity threats, issues and Concerns

poaching

Invasive species( Indigofera tinctoria)Tree loss

siltationInvasive species( Croton spp.)


Other threats...........• Climate change• Wood poaching• Human wildlife conflict• Hunting Pressure• illegal harvesting of resources• Uncontrolled veld fires• Habitat encroachment• Tourism over development• Gold Panning (Prospecting licence for Rukomechi river)• Fossil Sites


International/regional policies and agreements International / regional policies and agreements Provision

CITES (accession to the convention) regulate trade in endangered or threatened species. Of importance are elephant, crocodile and leopard

CBD (ratified) Conservation, sustainable utilisation of biodiversity and access and benefit sharing

Ramsar conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

CMS (Bonn Convention) conserve the populations and habitats of migratoryspecies

SADC Regional Biodiversity Strategy Section 2.3 Page 59 Responses to biodiversity threats in the SADC region

SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement

Combat illegal harvesting of resources; policy measures to promote conservation and sustainable use

SADC Protocol on Fisheries Protect responsible & sustainable use of living aquatic resources & aquatic ecosystems of interest to state parties


SADC Protocol on Forestry development, conservation, sustainable management and utilisation of all types of forests and trees, and trade in forest products throughout the Region.

Revised Protocol on Shared Water courses( revised) 2000

Protection of shared watercourses, harmonisation of policies

SADC Protocol on the Development of Tourism

To optimise utilisation of resources in an environmentally friendly manner

World Heritage Convention (ratified) protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage places for the benefit of present and future generations.

UNFCCC (ratified) stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would preventdangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system........ level should be achieved within a time-frame sufficient o allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change

Zambezi River AuthorityAct, No. 17 of 1987

The Act provides for the interstate agreement between Zambia and Zimbabwe relating to theutilisation of the Zambezi River (Kariba Dam).

Convention to Combat Desertification (Signed, ratified)

The destructive forces of desertification, climate change and biodiversity loss


National Policies related to natural resources managementPolicy/Acts Provisions for biodiversity threats

Policy for Wildlife in Zimbabwe 1992 states that Government will take the necessary legal and enforcement measures to prevent the illegal use of wildlife.

Wildlife Based Land Reform Policy facilitate wildlife-based land reform to ensure profitable, equitable and sustainable use of wildlife resources, particularly in areas where agricultural potential is limited.

Natural Resources Act (Chapter 150) outlines national strategies for the conservation and enhancement of natural resources.

Mines and Minerals Act 1961(Chapter 21:05) Act

regulates the acquisition of mining rights, prospecting for and extraction of minerals, and decommissioning of mining works.

National Museums and Monuments Act Through the Act the Minister may declare National Monuments. The discovery of any ancient monument or relic must be declared to the National Museums and Monuments Board by the discoverer or the owner or occupier where the relic occurs. The state can acquire the land on which the monument or relic occurs for its preservation or analysis.


National Policies/ActsNational Environmental Policy and Strategies of 2009 preserve the broad spectrum of biological diversity so as to sustain the long-term ability of

natural resources to meet the basic needs of people, enhance food security, reduce poverty and improve the general standard of living of Zimbabweans’

Environmental Management Act 2002 creates a framework environmental management, makes provision for the formulation of environmental quality standards (e.g. air, water, noise, effluents, waste and hazardous substances), and promotes the development of national environmental policies, plans and strategies.

EIA Policy, August 1997 requires the responsible authorities not to grant permits to projects that are required to have an EIA before such an EIA has been undertaken, reviewed and accepted

Water Act, 2003(Chapter 20:24)

The Act is for the monitoring and management of all surface and underground water resources. Use of water from designated river systems is controlled through the National Water Authority. This includes underground water.

Constitution of Zimbabwe ( no. 20 Act) 2013 defining citizens’ basic and fundamental rights, including those over natural resources.


National Policies related to natural resources managementProvisions to address biodiversity threats

Zimbabwe national climate change response Strategy Climate change mitigation and adaptation

Parks and Wildlife Act ( Chapter 20:14) 1996 The Act establishes national parks, botanical reserves and gardens, sanctuaries, safari areas and recreational parks; provides for the conservation and control of wildlife, fish and plants; and designates specially protected animals and indigenous plants.

National Museums and Monuments Act ( Chapter 25:11) 2001 Protection of monuments

Forest Act ( Chapter 19:05) 1949 ( as amended in 2002) The Act provides for demarcating forests and nature reserves, conserving timber resources, regulating trade in forest produce, and regulating the burning of vegetation.

Trapping of Animals (Control)Act, 1974 (Chapter 20:21)

The Act prohibits making, possessing or using certain types of traps, and specifies the purposes for which animal trapping is permitted.

Locust Control Act, 1971 (Chapter 19:06) The Act regulates the control of locusts.

Plant Pests and Diseases Act,1959 (Chapter 19:08)

The Act provides for the eradication and prevention of the spread of plant pests and diseases.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (Chapter 19:09) The Act prohibits activities considered cruel to animals

Rural District Councils Act ( Chapter 29:13) 1988 The Act allows for the establishment of Rural District Councils responsible for initiating and regulating development in rural areas.

Communal Land and Forest Produce Act ( Chapter 19:04) 1987 The Act controls the use of wood resources within communal lands. Such resources are only for the domestic use of the residents.


Role of Institutions • State agencies and associated institutions responsible for policy formulation and

implementation laws and policies: Local Communities Zimbabwean Government Local Government- Hurungwe and Kariba RDC Traditional Authorities chiefs, village head Non Government Organizations (WEZ, ZAMSOC, MHA) Private sector e.g. tour operators, Phundundu Safaris Research and education Institutions e.g. UZLK , CUT, Rifa Education Camp National and International Financiers


• Parks• ULKRS: (University of Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Research

Station)• Zambezi Society (ZAMSOC) (education, awareness,

carnivore research, rhino monitoring)• Tour Operators Association• Environmental Educational NGOs• EMA• Commercial fisheries• RDC• Industry. Lake harvest to organise.• CAMPFIRE• WEZ- FEE

Other stakeholders


PROGRAMMES and PROJECTS


The Kariba REDD+ project.

•mitigate climate change •contribute to the sustainable development of local communities

•conserve biodiversity.

Source: http://www.carbongreenafrica.net/our-projects/kariba-redd-project.html


Projects : Case study from Mana Pools National Park & Nyamakate Resettlement Area

• protection of soils and riverine ecosystems

• Climate change adaptation( supporting farmers in innovative adaptation)

• Save forests

• Minimise pollution

Sustainable gardening

Carry In carry Out Policy

Solar Project


Conclusion and recommendations• International and regional initiatives mention/ address some of the issues/

threats to biodiversity• Regional, national and local policies peripheral mention or do not mention

some key threats to biodiversity e.g. climate change, poaching/ illegal harversting

• Projects present but limited to a few members of the community to address issues related to illegal harvesting of resources

• Massive deforestation (tobbaco farmers) threatens miombo woodlands• Community participation limited especially in Hurungwe District


Recommendations• Review national policies, laws and local authorities’ by-laws to incorporate

management of threats to biodiversity • there is need to mainstream biodiversity threats, particularly poaching,

illegal harvesting of wildlife resources and climate change into local policies

• National and local natural resources management institutions should be reviewed in order to integrate strategies to mitigate threats to wildlife and biodiversity.


Acknowledgements

“This research is supported by funding from the Department for International Development (DfID) under the Climate Impact Research Capacity and

Leadership Enhancement (CIRCLE) programme”


THANK YOU, NDATENDA