GERMANY’S ambassador to Zimbabwe vents Save Conservancy frustration newzimbabwe/news-15522-Envoy+vents+Save+sanctuary+frustration/news.aspx GERMANY’S ambassador to Zimbabwe has expressed frustration over Save Conservancy, a multi-million dollar wildlife sanctuary in which European Union nationals have business interests, but has since been invaded by top Zanu PF officials Ambassador Ulrich Klockner said the dispute over control of the sanctuary where German investor Wilfried Pabst is vice chairman, was “taking much of my time (which) I would like to spend engaging in positive projects aimed at helping revive (Zimbabwe’s) ailing economy”. Germany has strong partnerships with the Bulawayo and Norton local authorities where it is helping rehabilitate water and energy infrastructure. The EU country plans to extend the cooperation to other towns such as Harare and Redcliff in the Midlands after local authorities there approached its Harare embassy. However, in an interview with NewZimbabwe, Ambassador Klockner said, since arriving in Harare late last year, he has spent much of his time convincing compatriots with investments in the country that their assets were safe. The envoy said this was “not healthy” as he wanted to concentrate on projects that improve the country’s economy. “We should be concentrating on how can we solve the energy problem, how can we get business rather than just travelling around the country trying to calm some citizens who are afraid that they might lose what they worked on for 50 years,” said the envoy. His remarks come after the government insisted it would not reverse its decision to indigenise the wildlife conservancy which was last year invaded by top Zanu PF officials, sparking threats of aid cut by the EU. The conservancy is a major attraction for tourists and professional hunters, especially from western countries, who pay thousands of dollars for the chance to see – or hunt – wild animals living there. Located in Masvingo province, the preserve covers an area of some 3400 square kilometers. Founded in 1991, it is co-owned by groups of foreign and local whites, as well as black Zimbabweans who regulate the hunting and protect endangered wildlife such as elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Since its establishment, the conservancy has been managed in partnership with Zimbabwes state-run Agriculture and Rural Development Authority.
Posted on: Tue, 06 May 2014 08:53:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015