Zimbabwe’s wildlife protection unity is set to receive equipment worth US$2 million from the Chinese government that will be channeled towards wildlife management.
The equipment will be used to control illegal hunting and poaching in the country.
The donation follows a state visit by President Mugabe to China. During the visit, Chinese president Xi Jinping committed to donate wildlife protection equipment to Zimbabwe.
The equipment which include SUVs, Lorries, pickup trucks, tents, mobile radios, telescopes and GPS will be put into service at Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chinese Ambassador, Mr Lin Lin, said Zimbabwe is facing many challenges which hinder it from protecting its wildlife.
“Part of wildlife in Zimbabwe is on the verge of extinction and China is extending a hand to curb this problem,” said Ambassador Lin.
He said the donation denotes China’s commitment to the protection of wildlife.
“The donation symbolizes the good will and resolute action of China to support wildlife protection causes in Zimbabwe.
“The Chinese government is ready to work with the international community to make continued and unremitted efforts to protect wildlife,” he said.
Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, Oppah Muchinguri said the donation comes at a time when the country is burdened with the cost of conserving wildlife.
“We have been hit by shortage of money to conserve our wildlife largely due to the withdrawal of donor support in wildlife conservation initiatives,” she said adding that it is difficult for government to solely fund conservation.
This is not the first time the Chinese government has donated towards wildlife. In 2014 Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced that China will provide US$10 million to support wildlife protection and conversation in Africa.
