ZimParks opposes a coal mining project near Hwange National Park, citing risks to the endangered black rhino population. The proposed site is near a crucial protection zone and threatens vital ecosystems. Critics emphasize the harmful effects on wildlife and water sources. The government is urged to honor past pledges against mining in reserves.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has expressed strong opposition to a proposed coal mining project near Hwange National Park due to its potential threat to the endangered black rhino population. Announced on Thursday, ZimParks emphasized that the mining project, which is planned adjacent to the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, poses a considerable risk to the species’ survival and has called upon the Ministry of Mines to terminate the project.
ZimParks has set an objective to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by the year 2030 and highlighted that mining activities in this sensitive area could lead to increased risks of extinction for the black rhinos and hinder ongoing conservation initiatives. The controversial project is being pursued by Chinese firm Sunny Yi Feng, with plans to prospect coal over a 16,000-hectare area located a mere eight kilometers from the rhino protection zone.
Critics warn that the mining operations will adversely affect ecological conditions crucial for the survival of wildlife. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the impact on groundwater resources essential for the survival of Hwange National Park’s 65,000 elephants, the second-largest elephant population in Africa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that black rhinos are classified as endangered, with approximately 6,400 of the species remaining as of September. The population has suffered a 1% decline in the past year, primarily due to poaching incidents.
In light of past controversies, Zimbabwe’s government had pledged to prohibit mining activities within nature reserves. This commitment came after a similar situation involving another Chinese entity, Tongmao Coal, in 2020. Current conservationists are now urging the authorities to adhere to this promise to safeguard the environment and protect endangered species.
The rejection of the coal mining project near Hwange National Park by ZimParks underscores the significant threat mining poses to endangered species such as the black rhino. The potential disruption to essential ecosystems and groundwater sources further exacerbates concerns about the survival of wildlife in the region. The pressure on the government to uphold its previous commitments to ban mining in nature reserves reflects a growing demand for protecting biodiversity and the environment.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
