Lowveld Biosphere Reserve feasibility study

Submitted by Kago Morobane on Fri, 08/10/2021 - 09:56
Donors/Funders: 
USAID VukaNow (small grant)
Implementers: 
Lowveld Rhino Trust; Frankfurt Zoological Society; Gonarezhou Conservation Trust; Mateke Hills Conservancy; Nuanetsi Ranch; Bubye Valley Conservancy; Malilangwe Trust; LOCAL Forum; USAID VukaNow
Countries: 
Zimbabwe
Objectives: 
To explore degree of cross-sectoral interest amongst stakeholders in Zimbabwe's Lowveld in establishing a Biosphere Reserve (linked to GLTFCA and possibly also to Greater Mapungupwe TFCA) leading to a go/no-go decision on whether to take further steps on this

Specific activities include:

1) Consultations with main stakeholders and officials in the Lowveld regarding the process of developing the concept of a Lowveld Biosphere Reserve (BR).

2) Initial meeting / workshop to reconvene the LOCAL Forum to build on previous initiatives and inform members of the potential for a BR.

3) Assessing potential benefits of BR.

4) Mapping proposed potential BR area and land use/land cover (from satellite imagery).

5) Second Consultative Workshop under the LOCAL Forum to further inform stakeholders on the potential for developing a BR and to establish level of support for the concept.

6) Follow up if there is strong support for a Biosphere Reserve

TFCA: 
Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park & Conservation Area
PAs: 
Gonarezhou NP; Bubye Valley Conservancy; Malilangwe Private Reserve; Nuanetsi Wildlife Ranch
Specific Area (Village, Town, District, Province): 
Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Beitbridge Districts
HQ of the Initiative: 
Harare, Zimbabwe
Timeframe: 
2020 to 2021
Is the timeframe likely to be extended?: 
Yes
Elaborate on likelihood to extend: 
Depending on degree of stakeholder consensus, funding for further phases of planning/implementation will be required
Budget: 
77000.00
Currency: 
USD
Thematic Focus: 
Agriculture, CC adaptation/mitigation, Community Livelihood Dev, HWC mitigation, Integrated Land Use Planning & Implementation, Policy & Leg frameworks, NR Protect & Mgt, Research, Tourism
1st Contact Name: 
Raoul du Toit
1st Contact Email: 
r.dutoit@rhinos.org
2nd Contact Name: 
David Cumming
2nd Contact Email: 
cummingdhm@gmail.com
Website: 
N/A