This new environmentally conscious initiative will see the Parks authorities enforcing an effective refuse collection system in the wildlife area. Mana Pools was selected for the pilot project as it is a world heritage site renowned for its well-preserved ecological areas and high concentrations of wildlife.
Any visitor going into the park will receive a complimentary refuse bag to collect all non-biodegradables such as beverage cans, Styrofoam, plastics etc to take out with them when they leave. They will be expected to show their bag to the park rangers before exiting. Biodegradables will be collected by Parks for recycling. In adopting this policy Zimbabwe is leading the way for the whole continent in modeling progressive environmental strategies.
This project has been made possible through collaboration between Environment Africa, a local environmental lobby organization, the Zambezi Society, Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and financial support from The Netherlands.
It is expected to be introduced in other National Parks before the end of the year. Carry In Carry Out has its roots in the Leave No Trace environmental movement centering around low-impact, sustainable practices that began in the United States in the late 1960’s. Many national parks around the world have adopted this ethos -from the Grand Canyon in the US to Aconcagua in Argentina.
In launching the initiative, Environment and Natural Resources Management Permanent Secretary, Florence Nhekairo, said it was part of National Park’s mission to improve the sustainability of its parks and to enhance and protect its unique wilderness beauty. Park rangers will be better able to focus on park maintenance and education programmes by not having as much rubbish to collect. And less fuel will be needed to keep the incinerator running, thereby reducing the department’s carbon footprint.
Carry In, Carry Out: The less we leave, the more we have. – www.environmentafrica.org
Post published in: Environment