Bio-diversity

The proposed project is located on the Monavale Vlei and within the suburb of Manavale which is situated in the Malbereign district some 4km from the CBD of Harare. there are some 40 households within the suburb and the overall vlei and MVBP is some 40 ha in extent, 30 ha of which is state land , administered by the City of Harare under the Urban Councils Act and 10 ha is private land whose purchase by Birdlife Zimbabwe is imminent. The project seeks to address Monavale Vlei degradation and biodiversity loss caused by land use change, development threats, pollution, poaching and informal agriculture in a unique urban wetland habitat. degradation diminishes that wetland role in purification of diffuse source pollution. in particular , cultivation and nay form of soil disturbance creates the opportunity for aliens species to take hold. The sustainability of the Monavale Biodiversity Plan and continuing biodiversity rehabilitation as well as expansion of wetland and environmental education and awareness and community livelihood activities is in jeopardy due to lack of funds. Unless this funding problem is resolved in the short term an irreplaceable natural resource of national and international standing is in danger of being lost. The project has the following objectives: 1. To address biodiversity issues by restoring the Monavale Vlei and adjacent riverine areas to near pristine condition through sound management and particularly through the removal of alien species. 2. To ensure community biodiversity awareness through environmental education and training 3. To improve livelihood prospects within the community through training in composting and vermiculture techniques monitored by local experts and trained local residents. The project activities include: 1. identification and location of alien plant species to be removed 2. Removal of the majority of identified alien species during year 1. 3. Removal of large eucalyptus trees 5. Production ad distribution of brochures on Monavale Vlei biodiversity and conservation 6. Putting Monavale Vlei Biodivesity signage 7. Conduct Biodiversity awareness workshops for local residents 8 Establish indigenous tree nurseries 9. Identify most suitable designs and techniques for composting pits and wormeries for vermiculture and composting 10. Construction of 30 compost pits and wormeries during the first year and 30 pits in the second year. EXPECTED PROJECT OUTCOMES 1. Species removal and recording techniques improved, as well as increased community awareness of the negative impact of alien species on wetland biodiversity 2. Improvement of ecosystem and groundwater recharge 3. Increased public awareness of MVBP and enhanced environmental protection 4. Increased opportunities for income generation.

Zimbabwe