Zimbabwe’s wildlife is under increasing pressure from poaching, which has led to the decline of key species such as elephants, rhinos, and pangolins. In response, the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) is hosting its annual Fundraising Golf Day on 27 September 2024—coinciding with World Tourism Day. Set at Harare’s Borrowdale Brooke Golf Course, this event will raise critical funds to support VFAPU’s continued fight to protect wildlife in the Victoria Falls region, which is constantly threatened by illegal hunting.
Since its founding in 1999, VFAPU has made remarkable strides, with over 1,030 poachers arrested and 39,000 wire snares removed. The funds raised from the 128 players and supporters attending this year’s event will be used to further these efforts, ensuring VFAPU’s scouts can continue patrolling the wilderness, combating the highly organised poaching syndicates operating in Zimbabwe.
Ross Kennedy, director of Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) and a Wildlife Conservation Coalition (WCC) board member, stressed the importance of continued vigilance.
“Our commitment to protecting wildlife remains stronger than ever,” he said, emphasizing that the support garnered through events like the VFAPU Fundraising Golf Day is essential for maintaining the unit’s operations. Africa Albida Tourism, a founding partner of VFAPU, will cover all administrative costs for the day, ensuring that every penny raised goes directly towards the unit’s conservation work.
The poaching crisis in Zimbabwe is part of a broader problem across Africa. An estimated 20,000 elephants are killed each year for their ivory, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Zimbabwe is home to the second-largest population of elephants on the continent, making it a key battleground in the fight to save the species. At the same time, rhino populations have been decimated, with only around 550 black rhinos remaining in Zimbabwe, a staggering decline largely driven by demand for their horns in Asia.
This illegal trade also poses a direct threat to Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on its rich biodiversity. Tourism accounts for 7.2% of Zimbabwe’s GDP, with iconic species like elephants and rhinos serving as major draws for visitors. Protecting these animals is not only a moral imperative but an economic necessity.
Significance of World Tourism Day
Holding the fundraising on World Tourism Day is highly significant, as it aligns two closely connected sectors: tourism and conservation. World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, is a global celebration that highlights the socio-economic and cultural value of tourism. In Zimbabwe, tourism, especially ecotourism, is intrinsically linked to the nation’s rich wildlife, with iconic destinations like Victoria Falls attracting millions of visitors annually.
By hosting the event on this day, the organizers are emphasizing how wildlife preservation directly impacts tourism. Healthy wildlife populations and preserved ecosystems are key drivers of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, which contributes significantly to the nation’s economy. The event also brings attention to the crucial role that conservation efforts play in sustaining tourism, particularly in the face of poaching, which threatens endangered species and depletes the natural assets that attract tourists.
Additionally, this synergy highlights how tourism revenues can, and should, be reinvested into sustainable wildlife management. Hosting the golf day on this international occasion sends a message that global stakeholders in tourism, conservation, and wildlife protection must unite to support initiatives like VFAPU, which works tirelessly to combat poaching and preserve biodiversity.
By linking these themes, the event raises funds and awareness of the importance of protecting wildlife to ensure the long-term success of tourism in Zimbabwe, a country heavily reliant on its natural wonders.
The impact of poaching extends far beyond the loss of individual animals. The removal of keystone species like elephants disrupts ecosystems, leading to cascading effects on biodiversity. This year’s fundraiser will contribute to efforts aimed at mitigating these threats, with the ultimate goal of preserving Zimbabwe’s natural heritage for future generations.
The fundraiser promises to be both enjoyable and impactful, offering participants a day of golf and the opportunity to contribute to a cause vital to Zimbabwe’s ecological and economic future. All proceeds from the day will go directly to VFAPU, funding critical operations on the ground and furthering the unit’s mission to protect the country’s wildlife.
Through collective action, stakeholders, enthusiasts, and the tourism industry can make a lasting impact in the fight to protect Zimbabwe’s wildlife from extinction.
For more information on how to participate or donate, contact Judy at golf@africaalbida.co.zw or call +263 242 885200.
