Project Detail

Maplan Biodiversity Restoration Programme through Wetland Rehabilitation and Conservation.

Maplan is situated in Natural Region 3 in Charumbira village in Masvingo Province. The area receives an average rainfall of 650 - 800 mm mostly through infrequent storms. Drought has occured in the past years due to erratic rainfall patterns. Water sources available are rivers, wells, springs and wetlands.

CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
The central problem is loss of biodiversity especially the wetlands ecosystem due to uncontrlled livestock management and destructive land-use systems.This has now resulted in ground water levels diminishing leading to the drying up of the wetlands. In addition, the productivity capacity of the land has also been reduced resulting in food insecurity.

To this end, the Maplan Bio-diversityConservation and Wetland rehabilitation Project is a means of addressing the issue of loss of biological diversity as a result of deforestation ,destructive tillage systems and droughts. The overall goal of the proposed project is to support activities that seek

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Association of Zimbabwe Traditional Environmental Conservani

Country:

Zimbabwe

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

Phase 1

Grant Amount:

US$ 38,604.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 5,600.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 40,200.00

Project Number:

ZIM/92/G52/15

Start Date:

5/1997

End Date:

5/2000

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Notable Community Participation

Community was involved from the onset by designing the project and in the actual implementation process and they have accomplished all their set targets.

Policy Impact

Maplan is one of the oldest projects that have spearheaded the participation of communities in eco-tourism projects. This has resulted in policy makers appreciating the role that communities can play not only at local but also at the national level. To this end, ecoutourism projects are now being recognised as a source of both income generation and environmental conservation.

Capacity - Building Component

Maplan is one of the successful cases which demonstrates real empowerment of local communities. Although the project was a pilot and demonstration project, the group has been strengthened and have been able to mobilise and influence the neighbouring villages to replicate this project such that the whole province has more than six projects of similar nature.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

The chief and spirit mediums have played major roles ont he integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems with modern methods in natural resource use and conservation. They have mobilised their communities to compete in preservation of their resources and to use them sustainably.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

The community groups in the Maplan project

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

The group has been pace-setters in terms of awareness raising as evidenced by behavioural change on natural resource management in their neighbouring communities. Similar projects have mushroomed in the province and have helped in biodiversity conservation and improved livelihood options enhancing food security.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

The project supported activities which raised agricultural productivity, incomes and food security in Maplan community. Ecologically sustainable methods of food production through permaculture and the use of IKS strengthened the livelihood base of the community.

Gender Focus

Women have played a pivotal role in the whole project implementation and decision making process. They play a major role in vegetable production and the production of crafts and fabrics for tourists which have been a major income generating venture in the community.

Project Results

In function. Gardens productive. Wetlands now productive. Has become one of the best practice cases and has been replicated in other wards

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