Zimbabwe’s ZimParks Rejects Coal Mining Near Black Rhino Sanctuary

Zimbabwe’s ZimParks has condemned a coal mining project near Hwange National Park, arguing it threatens black rhinos. The project involves Sunny Yi Feng and raises ecological concerns, especially for water sources crucial for elephants. The black rhino population is endangered, with poaching contributing to decline. Conservationists urge the government to uphold commitments to protect nature reserves.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has condemned a proposed coal mining operation near Hwange National Park, emphasizing that it poses a significant threat to the endangered black rhino population. The project is located adjacent to the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, prompting ZimParks to call for its cancellation by the Ministry of Mines as it could endanger the species’ survival.

ZimParks is tasked with restoring at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by the year 2030, and officials have warned that this mining initiative would elevate the risk of extinction for black rhinos. Additionally, it could severely undermine ongoing conservation efforts in the region, leading to further declines in biodiversity.

The controversial project is spearheaded by Chinese firm Sunny Yi Feng, which has solicited permission to explore coal resources across 16,000 hectares, situated merely eight kilometers from the protection zone for black rhinos. Critics argue that such mining operations could severely disrupt essential ecological conditions that are vital for wildlife, particularly critical groundwater sources necessary for Hwange’s significant population of 65,000 elephants, the second-largest in Africa.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies black rhinos as an endangered species, with an estimated population of only around 6,400 worldwide as of September 2021. Unfortunately, this population has seen a decline of 1% over the past year primarily due to poaching incidents.

In the past, Zimbabwe’s government made a commitment to prohibit mining activities within nature reserves following an uproar regarding another Chinese company, Tongmao Coal, in 2020. Conservationists are now urging the government to honor this previous pledge and protect vulnerable wildlife from threatening industrial activities.

In summary, the proposed coal mining project near Hwange National Park raises considerable environmental concerns, particularly regarding the endangered black rhino population. ZimParks has called for the project’s cancellation, citing the detrimental impact on conservation efforts and ecological integrity. Both local advocates and international organizations convey that protecting these endangered species is paramount, urging Zimbabwean authorities to adhere to previous commitments to ban mining in sensitive wildlife areas.

Original Source: newscentral.africa