UNESCO engages local community on proposed nomination of Chimanimani as a Biosphere Reserve

The UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA), in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Commission for UNESCO and Zimbabwean Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee, will conduct an information session for community engagement on the proposed nomination of Chimanimani as a Biosphere Reserve on 9 June 2021 at Chimanimani Hotel. Government ministries and departments, local communities and Non-Governmental Organisations are expected to participate and contribute their views on the proposed nomination.

UNESCO coordinates the Man and the Biosphere Programme, which demonstrates approaches to conservation and sustainable development. The programme works through the setup of Biosphere Reserves that have three key functions, which are: conservation, learning and research, and sustainable development.

Through the establishment of Chimanimani Biosphere Reserve in Zimbabwe, there is large potential to support sustainable development in the area, and to strengthen the relation between nature and people. In particular, the Biosphere Reserve brings benefits which include promoting new sustainable income generating activities across sectors, adding value to existing protected areas and community-based resource conservation, strengthening local identity and ownership, and forming part of a strong international network and generating international recognition.

The main objective of the information session is to inform and engage the local stakeholders in the communities in the nomination process of the proposed Chimanimani Biosphere Reserve.