Ranger infrastructure boosts protection of transboundary conservation area

(Hwange, Zimbabwe – 20 June 2025) – The Zimbabwean government, with IFAW and ZimParks, today commissioned two new ranger houses at Matetsi Unit 5, strengthening conservation efforts in a key wildlife area. 

This region, which is part of IFAW’s Room to Roam priority landscapes, is a critical migratory route for elephants moving between Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana, both part of the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area. 

Built under the IFAW-ZimParks co-management agreement, the new ranger houses will accommodate eight rangers and provide comfortable, secure living conditions for those tasked with protecting the Matetsi Safari Area.  

The handover ceremony, held at Matetsi Unit 5, was attended by government officials, conservationists, and community leaders. In her remarks, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, applauded IFAW and ZimParks for prioritising ranger welfare. 

“By investing in ranger welfare, the two organisations are doing more than just improving living conditions for our esteemed rangers. They are also enhancing our capacity to safeguard Zimbabwe’s treasured wildlife heritage and supporting the government’s broader efforts to promote nature-based tourism, which is key to both conservation and sustainable development,” said Dr Ndlovu. 

The ceremony also featured the handover of tents and uniforms. To date, IFAW and ZimParks, with generous support from Munchkin, have invested more than US$1 million in Matetsi. This funding has been used to strengthen law enforcement—including the purchase of two patrol vehicles—support community-based conservation initiatives and alternative livelihoods while improving the ecological function of the landscape. 

“Matetsi is an important area for promoting elephant connectivity,” said Alleta Nyahuye, IFAW Zimbabwe Director. “This is why IFAW and ZimParks work so closely to address key conservation challenges in this landscape. Our vision is one of resilience—where a thriving wildlife population delivers lasting benefits to local communities.” 

Ends 

Press Contacts:  

Luckmore Safuli  
Communications Officer, Southern Africa 
m: +263 77 252 7736  
e: lsafuli@ifaw.org 

Christina Pretorius 
Director, Communications Africa 
m: +27 82 330 2558 
e: cpretorius@ifaw.org 

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)  

IFAW is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and people working across seas and oceans in over 40 countries daily. We rescue, rehabilitate, release animals and restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org  

 About Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks)   

Tasked with the protection, management and administration of the wildlife of Zimbabwe, the Parks & Wildlife Management Authority has a proud history of sound management in conservation. Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity provides a haven for many species of flora and fauna to survive and thrive. Given our stewardship's large and expansive resources, this responsibility cannot be achieved in isolation. Our network of protected areas, conservancies and trans-frontier parks ensures we share the load. Trans-frontier Conservation Areas promote collaboration with Zimbabwe’s neighbours to curb international wildlife crime, promote tourism and preserve the shared heritage, which knows no borders. www.zimparks.org.zw