CABINET on Tuesday said they approved the principles of the Parks and Wildlife Management Bill which was last amended more than 20 years ago.
Addressing a post cabinet media briefing Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the bill expands the scope of the Parks and Wildlife Act.
“Cabinet considered and approved the Principles of the Parks and Wildlife Management Bill, which were presented by the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon N.M. Ndhlovu.
“The Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill will broaden the scope of the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14] as well as harmonise it with all other Acts governing the wildlife sector, including aligning it to the Constitution,” the Information Minister said.
The Information Minister said the amended act shall repeal provisions of the Quelea Act.
“Properties that were acquired by the Government on behalf of the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority will be provided for under the amended Act, which will also repeal the Quelea (Control) Act, the Rhodes Estates Act and the Trapping of Animals Act,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa also said the act last reviewed over 20 years ago will be aligned to international best practices.
“Cabinet notes that the current Parks and Wildlife Act was last amended over two decades ago, and the proposed amendments will align the legislation to the prevailing socio-economic-politico environment, as well as make it adaptable to the ever-changing dynamics.
“The Act will be amended to provide for the sustainable utilisation and development of the wildlife sector as well as international best practices. In addition, the wildlife conservation legislative framework will be upgraded, with the enabling law being accordingly amended to take into account technological advances in order to ensure that poaching and other illegal activities are effectively dealt with.
“The consolidation of wildlife-related legislation into one Act will enable easier comprehension and efficiency in the management of wildlife,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
