Matobo National Park is preparing to mark its centenary in November as Zimbabwe’s oldest national park, whose conservation efforts have become a success story on the African continent, with a steadily growing rhino population at a time when numbers are declining across many protected areas.
The milestone comes as the government, conservation groups and private sector partners intensify collaborative efforts to safeguard biodiversity, a model that was on display during last week’s commissioning of jointly funded conservation projects by Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu.
The projects, ranging from advanced surveillance systems to ranger welfare infrastructure and mobility support, are designed to strengthen wildlife protection, reduce human-wildlife conflict and improve operational efficiency within Zimbabwe’s parks system.
They also underscore a broader shift toward integrated conservation models that combine technology, logistics and community participation.
Speaking at the commissioning event last Friday at Tshabalala Game Sanctuary, Matobo Hills World Heritage Committee chairperson and Matobo Conservation Society leader, Gavin Stephens, said preparations were already underway for the park’s 100-year celebrations.
“We look forward to celebrating in November the centenary of Zimbabwe’s oldest National Park, the Matobo National Park, and we trust Madam that you will be our guest at that celebration,” Stephens said to the minister.
Stephens noted that Matobo Hills, designated a World Heritage Site over two decades ago, continues to gain international recognition, with stakeholders currently drafting a new World Heritage Management Plan to guide future conservation efforts.
He highlighted ongoing work by the Matobo Conservation Society, particularly investments in ranger welfare and boundary security, as critical pillars supporting conservation success.
“We have focused on ranger welfare, in particular with the facilities that were built at Three Sisters, and we are continuing to provide further assistance as we go forward,” he said.
“We’ve also been involved with the re-fencing of the National Park to avoid community conflict and provide greater wildlife protection.”
Stephens also drew the Minister’s attention to their ongoing applications to have the Matobo Hills recognised under the Ramsar Convention.
“As current chair, we are hopeful this designation can be achieved within our tenure. The convention is an international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands of global importance,” he said,
However, Stephens cautioned significant funding gaps remain, especially in maintenance and fencing, urging the government to prioritise sustained investment in protected areas.
“I further appeal to the Minister to re-examine funding for our parks. While we are contributing as much as we can, and the parks themselves are making significant efforts, there remains a substantial backlog in repairs, maintenance and fencing. Even here at Tshabalala Park, sections have historically lacked proper fencing.”
Despite these challenges, Matobo’s conservation trajectory stands in stark contrast to trends across much of Africa, particularly regarding rhino populations.
Chairperson of the Matopo Rhino Trust, John Burton, said sustained collaboration between Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and conservation partners has yielded remarkable results over the past decade.
“Between 2000 and 2012 the Matopos suffered heavy losses with rhino poaching,” Burton said.
“In response, a rhino protection programme was established in 2012, and the Matopo Rhino Trust was formed in 2013. Since then, we have worked closely with national parks on conservation.”
He said targeted interventions, including improved ranger mobility, enhanced surveillance and coordinated patrols, have drastically reduced poaching incidents.
“In the last 10 years, only nine rhinos have been poached in the Matopos National Park. At the same time, there have been many births, resulting in a significant increase in the rhino population,” Burton said.
“This is one of the only national parks in Africa that can say it has a growing rhino population. Most parks are experiencing declines.”
He contrasted the situation with Kruger National Park in South Africa, once home to one of the continent’s largest rhino populations, which has seen dramatic reductions over the past decade.
“Ten years ago, Kruger had around 8 000 rhinos. Today, that number is closer to 2 000. That has been the story across much of Africa, except here in Matopos,” Burton said.
Burton described Matobo’s success as positioning Zimbabwe among the continent’s leaders in rhino conservation.
“We shouldn’t just say we are good, we are almost the best in rhino conservation in Africa,” he said.
Burton added that beyond ecological value, rhinos also represent a significant economic asset, attracting international tourists seeking rare wildlife experiences.
“Walking with rhino in the Matopos is probably one of the top wildlife experiences on the planet,” he said.
The success has been reinforced by technological innovations introduced through partnerships, including the establishment of an operations control room by Chengeta Wildlife.
Greg Murphy of Chengeta Wildlife said the facility plays a critical role in supporting rangers on the ground.
“It is a function set up to support rangers who are out there 24 hours protecting this precious resource. It allows for real-time support and informed decision-making through data collection,” Murphy said.
He stressed the importance of collective action, saying “ukubambana” helps in achieving conservation goals, particularly for the benefit of future generations.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the next generation can enjoy the same natural heritage that we have,” he said.
Private sector players, particularly in the mining industry, also highlighted their role in supporting conservation and community development.
Time Streams Mine owner, Brian Samuriwo, described his company’s investments in infrastructure, education, water access and security as part of a broader commitment to ensuring that natural resource wealth benefits local communities.
“The resources of Matopo must build Matopo,” Samuriwo said.
He outlined contributions including classroom construction, dam rehabilitation, community facilities and the donation of a 30-seater bus to support both community and conservation needs.
“These are not just projects, they are part of a new story where mining, conservation and community sit at one table,” he said.
Similarly, Emmanuel Sunduza, Director of S and E Mine said responsible mining practices must go hand in hand with environmental protection.
“We are cognisant that the resources we have are not only for this generation but for generations to come,” Sunduza said.
Sunduza called on other mining operators in the region to collaborate with ZimParks to curb illegal mining and minimise environmental degradation.
“Land degradation affects not only mining but also tourism and conservation. We must all come together to protect these resources,” he said.