UNDP Zimbabwe
| Annual Report
2023 in Review
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UNDP Zimbabwe
| Annual Report
2023 in Review
Elephant in bush thicket with river in the background
From the Ground Up: New Legislation Strengthens Biodiversity Efforts
Our work on biodiversity goes beyond on-the-ground efforts.

In 2023, the Parks and Wildlife (Amendment) Act which we supported together with other partners, was approved. The Act will promote sustainable resource use, community involvement, and benefit sharing.

This landmark legislation strengthens our legal framework to protect ecosystems and ensure communities can coexist with wildlife.
SDG 15 icon Life on land

Wildlife Comeback

Together Towards Tomorrow
We are committed to achieving SDG 15 (Life on Land) by conserving the rich biodiversity of the middle-lower Zambezi Valley. Here, we address critical challenges like poaching, human-wildlife conflict, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change such as droughts and frequent wildfires.

In collaboration with partners, we are implementing an integrated approach to wildlife and ecosystem management in this vital region.

Additionally, our Accelerator Lab is pioneering research and development of sustainable methods to control swarming Quelea birds, a significant threat to crops that are key to food security.
Our contribution to protecting Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity is made possible by the Global Environment Facility
Our Accelerator Labs R&D efforts into the sustainable control of quelea birds is made possible by the Japan SDG Innovation Challenge
Wildlife rangers patrolling in the forest
Guardians of the Wild
Our concerted efforts across various strategies within a region encompassing one national park and seven protected areas are proving fruitful.

Notably, there’s a decline in wildlife poaching, and a marked reduction in the extent of veld fires.

These positive outcomes can be predominantly attributed to increased patrols due to new outposts and technology like drones and camera traps, along with stronger collaboration with law enforcement and community outreach.
60
Poacher camps destroyed.
1,000+
Snares destroyed.
14
Tusks recovered.
5
Rounds of ammunition seized.
Elephant walking in the Zambezi riverbed at Mana Pools National Park
Infographic

Poaching Plummets

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2019
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2022
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2023
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2016
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2019
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2022
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2023
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2016
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2019
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2023
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How Tech Saves Animals
With tools like SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) improving real-time reporting alongside drones, camera traps, and GPS collars, technology is proving a powerful weapon against wildlife poaching.
Man holding tree seedlings about to load into truckWoman holding tree seedling looking at camera
Man planting a tree seedling
Weather Wisdom at Your Fingertips: Empowering Farmers with Local Forecasts
UNDP partnered with the Meteorological Services Department to bring vital weather information directly to farmers.

Seasonal forecasts, now available at the district level with the help of agricultural extension officers help farmers plan their planting and manage resources effectively.
About
302,600
smallholder farmers received regular, tailored weather information through various media.
Group of men catching quelea birds in flight with nets
Threat to climate action
The threat of quelea birds is double-fold as they feed on the small grain crops that are encouraged to grow as a strategy to adapt to climate action
Quelea bird swarm flying over wheat field
Combating Food Security Threats Through Research & Development (R&D) and Collaboration
Our Accelerator Lab made significant strides in addressing a critical threat to Zimbabwe’s food security: the devastating impact of swarming quelea birds which can consume up to 10% of yields.

R&D for Sustainable Solutions: The Lab leveraged funding from the Japan SDG Challenge to partner with Pegara, an AI and automation specialist, to explore utilising drone and AI technologies to detect and deter these destructive birds. This collaboration also aimed to integrate learnings from local knowledge systems for a more comprehensive approach.

Collaboration Breeds Insights: In 2023, the Lab co-hosted a symposium with the University of Zimbabwe to broaden awareness and connect partners with domain that is key to tackling the quelea bird challenge.