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Professor Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks boss
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The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has ushered in a new era with the appointment of Professor Edson Gandiwa as its new director-general. He replaces Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, who recently assumed the role of director-general for the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
The official handover ceremony, held yesterday in Harare, marked a significant moment for the conservation body. Prof. Gandiwa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead ZimParks and paid tribute to the legacy of his predecessor.
"I accept this significant leadership role with profound gratitude and humility," said Prof. Gandiwa. "It is difficult to fill the void left by such a unique leader, but as we look ahead, we are motivated by his commitment to conservation and his legacy of hard work."
Dr. Mangwanya reflected on his tenure, emphasizing the broader mission of ZimParks beyond wildlife protection, highlighting its role in advancing sustainable development and alleviating poverty.
"Our work is not just about conserving for the sake of conserving; it is about ensuring that wildlife conservation benefits all Zimbabweans," he said.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Mr. Edward Samuriwo, described the handover as a milestone in ZimParks' history, praising Dr. Mangwanya's lasting contributions to Zimbabwe's conservation landscape.
Mrs. Sithembile Ncube, acting chairperson of the ZimParks board, expressed confidence in Prof. Gandiwa's leadership. "We have full confidence in your leadership," she said, pledging the board's support as ZimParks embarks on its next chapter.
Prof. Gandiwa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. With a PhD in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, he has authored or co-authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications.
His previous role as Executive Dean of the School of Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation at Chinhoyi University of Technology complements his practical experience in the field.
Under his leadership, ZimParks aims to continue its mission of wildlife conservation while promoting sustainable development. Prof. Gandiwa's appointment is seen as a strategic move to address the challenges of balancing conservation efforts with human-wildlife co-existence in a country celebrated for its rich biodiversity.
As he steps into the director-general role, Prof. Gandiwa faces the task of upholding ZimParks' mandate while innovating strategies to protect Zimbabwe's unique ecosystems. His expertise and vision are expected to drive ZimParks to new heights in conservation, ensuring that the country's natural heritage remains a source of national pride and global admiration.
The official handover ceremony, held yesterday in Harare, marked a significant moment for the conservation body. Prof. Gandiwa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead ZimParks and paid tribute to the legacy of his predecessor.
"I accept this significant leadership role with profound gratitude and humility," said Prof. Gandiwa. "It is difficult to fill the void left by such a unique leader, but as we look ahead, we are motivated by his commitment to conservation and his legacy of hard work."
Dr. Mangwanya reflected on his tenure, emphasizing the broader mission of ZimParks beyond wildlife protection, highlighting its role in advancing sustainable development and alleviating poverty.
"Our work is not just about conserving for the sake of conserving; it is about ensuring that wildlife conservation benefits all Zimbabweans," he said.
Mrs. Sithembile Ncube, acting chairperson of the ZimParks board, expressed confidence in Prof. Gandiwa's leadership. "We have full confidence in your leadership," she said, pledging the board's support as ZimParks embarks on its next chapter.
Prof. Gandiwa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. With a PhD in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, he has authored or co-authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications.
His previous role as Executive Dean of the School of Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation at Chinhoyi University of Technology complements his practical experience in the field.
Under his leadership, ZimParks aims to continue its mission of wildlife conservation while promoting sustainable development. Prof. Gandiwa's appointment is seen as a strategic move to address the challenges of balancing conservation efforts with human-wildlife co-existence in a country celebrated for its rich biodiversity.
As he steps into the director-general role, Prof. Gandiwa faces the task of upholding ZimParks' mandate while innovating strategies to protect Zimbabwe's unique ecosystems. His expertise and vision are expected to drive ZimParks to new heights in conservation, ensuring that the country's natural heritage remains a source of national pride and global admiration.
Source - the herald