Middle Zambezi Conservation Project officially launches

11 September 2025

On 5th September 2025, government officials, conservation partners, project supporters and local media all gathered at the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority headquarters in Harare for the official launch of the Middle Zambezi Conservation Project (MZCP).

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This was a wonderful event celebrating the groundbreaking work that has been done across the conservation sector in Zimbabwe and which has led to the early success of the MZCP already.

The event was presided over by Prof. Edson Gandiwa, Director General of ZimParks, who publicly acknowledged the invaluable role played by Natural Capital in driving long-term investment into Zimbabwe’s under-funded conservation sector. As one of the most ecologically rich countries in Africa, Zimbabwe has a unique capacity to use Natural Capital’s model to stimulate economic growth, support community infrastructure and protect its iconic wildlife areas.

The project launch also provided an opportunity for leaders from both the public and private sectors to appreciate and promote the power of collaboration in catalysing these types of innovative and exciting public-private partnerships. This project has been made possible by a huge collection of agencies, departments and people. As Dr. Aggrippa Sora, the ZimParks Board Chair, acknowledged in his closing remarks:

“This partnership is a shining example of what we can achieve through public-private partnerships. It demonstrates our ability to work together towards a common goal, leveraging each other’s strengths, to achieve sustainable development and conservation.”

Alistair Pole speaking at podium

The event culminated with MZCP Director, Dr. Alistair Pole, presenting ZimParks with five 4×4 vehicles. This donation forms part of the project’s commitment to help resource the parastatal conservation authority to more effectively manage and protect the country’s rich natural heritage. By giving them greater ability to manage wildlife areas, these vehicles can improve the work of ZimParks rangers and researchers throughout the Zambezi valley of which the MZCP is a part of.

The event culminated with MZCP Director, Dr. Alistair Pole, presenting ZimParks with five 4×4 vehicles. This donation forms part of the project’s commitment to help resource the parastatal conservation authority to more effectively manage and protect the country’s rich natural heritage. By giving them greater ability to manage wildlife areas, these vehicles can improve the work of ZimParks rangers and researchers throughout the Zambezi valley of which the MZCP is a part of.

It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate the work of the many many people who have worked tirelessly to make this project a success. The MZCP has only just officially begun, but its legacy, under the protection of this integrated partnership, is one which will hopefully see the landscapes and people of this valley protected long into the future.

Theory
of change

Our theory of change aligns ecological restoration with inclusive local economic development and financial returns.

Goal

To safeguard critical wilderness areas in Africa that deliver long-term benefits for nature, people and sustainable economic development

01
Outcome 1:
Protecting & Restoring Nature

High-value ecosystems are secured, effectively managed, and resilient to climate change.

Output 1.1

High-value conservation landscapes are identified, secured, and established

Output 1.2

Conservation areas are effectively managed and ecologically restored

Output 1.3

Biodiversity, climate, and ecosystem health are monitored using robust science

02
Outcome 2:
Inclusive and Sustainable Development

Local communities experience equitable benefits, improved livelihoods, and active participation in conservation.

Output 2.1

Better jobs and diversified livelihood opportunities are created

Output 2.2

Individuals achieve higher levels of employment, fair wages, and economic stability

Output 2.3

Women and underrepresented groups are empowered and included in decision-making

03
Outcome 3:
Sustainable Finance for Nature

Conservation landscapes are supported by long-term, diversified, and scalable capital.

Output 3.1

Conservation projects are designed with the financial, legal, and ecological structures needed for investment

Output 3.2

Philanthropic, private, and public capital are mobilised and deployed at scale

Output 3.3

Sustainable revenue models ensure long-term financial resilience

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