Unpacking the Parks, Wildlife Management Amendment Act

 ZIMBABWE is overhauling its wildlife conservation laws through the new Parks and Wildlife Management Amendment Act which was signed into law by the President on December 1, 2025.

The new Act is a transformative piece of legislation that seeks to redefine how Zimbabwe manages and protects its wildlife.

Among other issues, the Amendments to the Parks and Wildlife Act seek to address issues like human-wildlife conflict, establishment of a Wildlife Professionals Council of Zimbabwe, habitat loss and climate change.

What is the major aim of the Parks and Wildlife Management Amendment Act?

The Amendment Act makes major changes in line with international best standards and reflects changes in the national thrust. These changes will provide a legal framework in support of the wildlife and blue economy subsectors of the Zimbabwe Biodiversity Economy. The thrust under NDS2 is to improve and strengthen the contribution of biodiversity to the national economy.

When did the President sign the Amendment Act into law?

The President signed into law the Parks and Wildlife Management Amendment Act on December 01, 2025 after approval by both Parliament and Cabinet.

Does the amended Act replace the Parks and Wildlife Management Act?

No, it doesn’t. The new amended legislation largely seeks to tackle contemporary challenges such as HWC, habitat loss, climate change and outdated laws, including adding new bodies to help manage the country’s wildlife resources.

What are some of the changes which were made in the Definitions Section?

The Definition Section has been modified to include key definitions such as;

(a) “appropriate authority” and “delegated appropriate authority” (under this Act all RDCs are appropriate authorities subject to the Minister’s power to withdraw that status temporarily for certain purposes;

(b) “parks ranger” (this definition will formalise a term already in use among the wildlife fraternity) and “honorary park ranger”

(c) “consumptive sector” and “non-consumptive sector”

(d)  quota

(e) “alienated land”

(f) “animal” and “wildlife”

What new general principles and ownership regimes are included?

The amended Act has new general principles and ownership regimes which seeks to support modern trends including utilising ICT tools for meetings and encourage devolution as much as possible the responsibility for wildlife conservation and management to local communities adjacent to areas of wildlife.

The other key issue is the clarity and reform to the common law position on the ownership of wildlife. The Act reiterates the (res nullii), position and makes a significant distinction however with regards to specially protected animals which are vested in the President and the Act allows ownership of specially protected animals for private persons upon meeting certain set criteria.

Establishment of a Wildlife Professionals Council of Zimbabwe

The law establishes the Wildlife Professionals Council of Zimbabwe which shall be a body to regulate the wildlife sector and the profession. The council will comprise nine members, some of whom will be nominated by wildlife professionals. At present there is no qualification certifying and disciplinary body for wildlife professionals, and this Act part will establish such a body.

Does the amended Act provide a framework for the compensation of victims of human-wildlife conflict?

Yes, it does. The Amendment Act adds the Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund whose objective is to offer some monetary relief to innocent victims of any encounter with a wild animal resulting in the death of a victim, or his or her maiming.

It was included to respond to the needs of communities and to give expression to the government’s thrust of assisting communities suffering from HWC.

Clause eight of the Act spells out the objective, source and disbursement modalities of the fund. Poachers and other people injured, maimed or killed in illicit wildlife activities are excluded.

Funds will be drawn from proceeds of the allocated hunting quota and the 0,5 percent human wildlife relief levy on revenue accruing to consumptive and non-consumptive tourism and wildlife-based business as well as money appropriated by Parliament.

Allocation of quotas

The Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Ministry said this Act introduces a clause formalising the existing system of allocation for quotas for hunting of animals and for other consumptive profitable and management activities.

Every quota is scientifically determined to ensure that the animals in question are not consumed beyond a sustainable level. A civil penalty is provided for quota holders who exceed their quota.

What does the amended Act say about donation of wildlife and land?

The donation of wildlife is aligned with international best practice. Land bequeathed to the Authority to manage shall be considered to form part of the Parks Estate.

What about confiscated property?

In the scope and course of its work the Authority often confiscates property used in the commission of illegal wildlife harvesting. The section now provides a mechanism for the Authority to retain confiscated property such as ammunition, boats among others for use in its law enforcement activities.

What about mining in Protected Areas?

This Act provides for the consultation of the President and the Minister responsible for the Parks and Wildlife in relation to mining activities to be conducted in any PA.

Does the Amendment Act provide for the domestication of International Obligations and TFCAs instruments?

Yes, it does. Zimbabwe is signatory to various regional and international instruments.

The Act provides for domestication of such instruments and acknowledges the country’s various commitments.

The Act also provides for the establishment of buffer zones and wildlife corridors as part of efforts to manage and decrease instances of HWC and improve conservation.

What does it say on wildlife trafficking and animal welfare?

The Act has put in key provisions for the management of wildlife and protection of all animal species.

In addition, this Act provides for the incorporation of designated water bodies such as Tugwi-Mukosi, Darwendale, Osborne into the Fifth Schedule as part of Recreational Parks.

What are the major threats to Zimbabwe’s wildlife resources?

Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage continues to face threats which include poaching, illegal wildlife trade, overexploitation, illegal mining and habitat loss largely due to land development, agriculture, global warming and invasive species.

The country was working closely with other countries and multilateral agencies to take bold new steps to implement strategies to combat the illegal wildlife trade.

How much does Zimbabwe earn from its wildlife related activities?

The Safari Operation Association of Zimbabwe projects that hunting earnings will jump by 25 percent this year to US$50 million, up from US$40 million in the previous year.

This growth is largely due to a continued influx of tourists from key markets, particularly the US, who prioritise conservation practices. When revenue from other downstream services is factored in, the industry’s total earnings are projected to reach US$100 million this year.

Zimbabwe’s  tourism earnings are on the rise and hit the US$1,2 billion mark in 2024 and US$900 million so far in 2025, driven by strong international tourist arrivals.

Zimbabwe – the world’s last wildlife frontier

Zimbabwe is committed to wildlife conservation and over 26 percent of the country’s land is reserved for wildlife. These include national parks, safari areas, recreational parks, sanctuaries, botanical gardens and botanical reserves. It remains an important frontier in Africa and the world for conserving critically endangered species. Poaching levels have declined steadily in the country over the past few years as the parks agency strengthened conservation interventions through support from the AWF, other multilateral agencies and the use of new technologies.

Source: Unpacking the Parks, Wildlife Management Amendment Act (03/12/2025)

See also: 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th March 2025) Parksand Wildlife Amendment Act set to transform conservation sector 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd December 2025) President Mnangagwa signs Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act intolaw (02/12/2025)

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd December 2025)  Govt sets up human–wildlife conflict relief fund as Parks Actis amended