Bio-diversity

The project is located in Chibememe village in Chiredzi. The protection and rehablitation of Zivembava Island forest and the surruonding environment is an initiative meant to address the apparent problems of deforestation, veld fires and land degredation which have significantly contributed towards biodiversity loss and siltation of Save River. Project objectives are to -raise awarerness on the need to conserve and sustainably use our resuorces which will help in reducing loss of vegetatio0n cover ,animal species and land degradation. -protect the Zivembava Island forest by fencing the whole area so that the resources will not be continually depleted. -reclaim gulleys in the area and embark on reafforestation works to increase vegetative cover and reduce soil erosion -fostering the spirit of community participation through the use of participatory methodologies in the conservation of cultural and natural resources emphasizing the active involvement of women and youth. The project participants are the CHIEHA members and the whole Chibememe community. Project activities -conducting a biodiversity survey and resource inventory to ascertain the different tree species, wild game, birds -environmental and cultural awareness and this will be achieved in the following ways- meetings,workshops,awareness bike rides and theatre. -rehabilitation of Zivembava Island and its environs by fencingthe area and then embarking on enrichment planting, afforestation activities,protection of wild game and aquatic life. -reestablishment and expansion of the community nursery -construction of the adminstration and information centre -gulley reclamation and planting of vertiva in the water ways to curb erosion -implementing the small grains project -horticultural activities and oil pressing -construction of access road to site. Project results -increase in biodiversity as a result in vegetation cover, wild game, birds etc -siltation of Save river reduced as a result of afforestation measures and prohibitation of stream bank cultivation -community nursery establishment and expansion -moisture conservation and water harvesting programme initiated -for food production -gullies reclaimed and vertiva planted in the waterways -landcare programme initiated and eco-tourism centre established -increased food production and growing of small grains

Zimbabwe