At the confluence of ecological significance and investment opportunity, the Middle Zambezi Conservation Project safeguards one of Zimbabwe’s most critical wildlife corridors – linking the Mana Pools World Heritage Site with Lake Kariba. This legacy conservation investment channels sustainable revenue flows into nature and local communities, supported by a robust financial model and strong business case that ensure long-term project viability.
Anchored in the heart of the Zambezi Valley, MZCP protects a varied array of rich and interconnected habitats that sustain elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and over 400 bird species. The project safeguards ecological connectivity vital for genetic dispersion, migratory wildlife and climate resilience.
Built upon a detailed financial and impact model, MZCP unlocks multiple income sources – including photographic tourism, ethical hunting operations, and carbon and ecosystem service payments – aligning investor returns with measurable impact and enduring conservation outcomes.
Through job creation, enterprise development, and environmental education, MZCP strengthens livelihoods and fosters local stewardship of natural resources, ensuring that conservation success directly benefits the communities who call this valley home.
Supported by two of the longest-ever management agreements with ZimParks, this strong security of tenure provides a secure platform for meaningful and sustained investment, professional management, and transparent reporting – critical ingredients for credible, scalable conservation finance.
The Middle Zambezi Conservation Project is underpinned by a robust impact framework – guided by a clear Theory of Change, informed by a comprehensive baseline survey, and supported by rigorous research and monitoring systems – to ensure transparency, accountability, and lasting outcomes – measured and reported across an array of ecological, social, and economic key performance indicators.
Director Commercial Services, ZimParks
Led by a dedicated team of women in Chirundu town — within the broader Middle Zambezi Conservation Project area — the Marara Recycling Project transforms waste into opportunity. By collecting and recycling discarded materials along the boundary between town and wilderness, the team helps keep the environment clean, prevents wildlife injury, and creates employment and community pride.
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In partnership with leading research organisations, the project is conducting extensive camera trap surveys to assess the region’s biodiversity and wildlife movement patterns. The Middle Zambezi Valley supports some of Zimbabwe’s most ecologically important species. These surveys provide critical data to guide long-term management, strengthen protection, and measure conservation outcomes over time.
The Rifa Education Centre has been inspiring young Zimbabweans to connect with nature for more than four decades. Through immersive field-based learning, students experience the importance of conservation first-hand — developing a deep understanding of wildlife, ecosystems, and the role communities play in protecting them.
The Zambezi Unit is a courageous team of rangers dedicated to safeguarding the wildlife of the Middle Zambezi Valley. Operating across rugged terrain day and night, they protect elephants and other vulnerable species from poaching and illegal trade. Their tireless work upholds the integrity of this vital ecosystem and ensures that Zimbabwe’s iconic wildlife continues to roam freely.
Our theory of change aligns ecological restoration with inclusive local economic development and financial returns.
High-value ecosystems are secured, effectively managed, and resilient to climate change.
High-value conservation landscapes are identified, secured, and established
Conservation areas are effectively managed and ecologically restored
Biodiversity, climate, and ecosystem health are monitored using robust science
Local communities experience equitable benefits, improved livelihoods, and active participation in conservation.
Better jobs and diversified livelihood opportunities are created
Individuals achieve higher levels of employment, fair wages, and economic stability
Women and underrepresented groups are empowered and included in decision-making
Conservation landscapes are supported by long-term, diversified, and scalable capital.
Conservation projects are designed with the financial, legal, and ecological structures needed for investment
Philanthropic, private, and public capital are mobilised and deployed at scale
Sustainable revenue models ensure long-term financial resilience