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outdated laws, including adding new bodies to help manage the country’s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
