THE African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has paid tribute to former director-general of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) Fulton Mangwanya for driving transformative conservation efforts.
Mangwanya was recently appointed the country’s spy chief.
AWF also recognised Edson Gandiwa, the newly-appointed director-general of ZimParks.
Mangwanya led transformative conservation efforts, including community-driven conservation initiatives and the protection of Zimbabwe's critical wildlife populations.
His leadership played a pivotal role in fostering continental collaboration among protected area leaders through the African Protected Areas Directors network.
Mangwanya's most notable achievement was the championing of transboundary conservation, which ensured the protection of iconic species and ecosystems.
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His work on initiatives such as the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area and the Zimbabwe-Mozambique-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area has had a lasting impact on the conservation landscape.
"We celebrate Dr Mangwanya's achievements and wish him every success in his future endeavours. His leadership will continue to inspire conservation across Africa," AWF said.
It said Gandiwa with his extensive experience in conservation, research and leadership was well-equipped to advance the protection of Zimbabwe's iconic wildlife and landscapes.
"We are confident that ZimParks will continue to thrive under Professor Gandiwa's guidance. His expertise will undoubtedly benefit the organisation and contribute to the conservation of Zimbabwe's precious wildlife and natural resources," AWF said.
"As one of the oldest and most respected wildlife conservation non-profit organisations on the continent, AWF looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with ZimParks to advance the protection of Zimbabwe's iconic wildlife and landscapes."