1. PROBLEM STATEMENT
Mbazhe pan is designated as a bird sanctuary in terms of Parks and Wildlife Act (1996) Chapter 20.14. The area is endowed with natural beautiful scenery. wetland and woodland habitats and bird life and other biodiversity of global importance. The pan was designated a bird sanctuary because of the large number of wetland birds that it supports. However in recent years the area has been neglected because of a variety of problems such as that the community was not consulted and had no ownership of the project, there were no institutional strategies and structures for benefit sharing. As a result the fence around the pan was neglected and in the end vandalized. Part of the wall was destroyed and water drains into the shangani river which is less than a kilometer away.

Communities that surround Mbazhe pan sanctuary pause the greatest threats to the wetland through livestock grazing, siltation, erosion and damage to infrastructure. As a result of siltation and increased outflow through a damaged wall at the lower end of the pan the area no longer holds water throughout the year especially in drier years. This reduces the number of waterfowl that visit and breed in the area in such periods.

Project Objectives

1. To establish eco tourism facilities at mabzhe pan sanctuary and promote it as a local birding/ tourist destination within two years.
2. Carry out wetland conservation through development of a sound integrated water resource management and institutional arrangements.
3. Do biodiversity monitoring in conjunction with communities, nkayi rural district council and the parks and wildlife management authority.
4. To improve access roads to Mbzhe pan sanctuary and develop other infrastructure at the pan.

Project Activities

1. Carry out environmental impact assessment on proposed eco tourism project
2. Fencing of campsite
3. Construct ablution facilities
4. Advertise Mbazhe pan sanctuary in local and international media as a birding spot
5. Promote bird awareness activities in schools and communities around the sanctuary
6. Repair the dam wall
7. Filling of gullies and ndogas around the pan
8. Establish watering points around the pan to reduce trampling
9. Train community in data capture
10. Communities participate in biannual waterfowl counts
11.Communities take part in biodiversity assessment at the sanctuary.

Project Outputs

1. Campsite identified and fenced
2. Ablution facilities constructed at campsite
3.Mbazhe pan advertised
4. Environmental clubs established in schools around the pan
5. Dam wall repaired
6. Gullies and ndogas filled up
7. Watering points established
8. Data captures and record keepers trained
9. Biannual waterfowl counts carried out by communities

Project Outcomes

1. Tourists coming to visit the Mbazhe pan sanctuary and paying for services provided by the community
2. The pan holds relatively more water throughout the year than in the past
3. Communities are knowledgeable in biodiversity monitoring and keep can keep their own records.