Featured Conservation Group: Matobo Conservation
Established in 1993 by members of the Bulawayo public, The Matobo Conservation Society (MCS) was set up for the preservation of the Matobo Hills region, its wildlife and its dependant communities. It is a registered welfare organisation with a membership made up of corporate members, individuals, Associates and school-children. In partnership with the Department of National Parks and the Natural History Museum, the society won a major battle which resulted in the obtaining of "Unesco World Heritage Site" status for the Matobo Hills. In the current economic climate in Zimbabwe, these successes, as well as a growing membership and an increasing portfolio of education and research projects, show that The Matobo Conservation Society is a force to be reckoned with in the conservation of this nationally and internationally important area.
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Objectives
To foster and promote all aspects of conservation of the natural resources and historical heritage of the Matobo Hills, within the Umzingwane and Matobo Administrative Districts and including the Matobo National Park, the Rhodes Matopos Estates, the communal lands (Matobo, Gulati, and Khumalo Communal Lands) and the commercial farming areas within the area of the Matobo Hills.
To build relationships and co-operative partnerships with anyone concerned with the Matobo region, be they Government, conservation organisations or local communities.Of particular interest are the conservation of: 1. The Indigenous Flora of the area including all grasses, shrubs, trees and flowering plants 2. The Mammals, Reptiles, Fish, Birds and Invertebrates indigenous to the area. 3. The waterways including Dams, Rivers, Streams and Wetlands 4. The Geology, especially the soils 5. The areas historical sites both Pre-Colonial and Colonial
Education and Scientific research are both encouraged and carried out in an effort to highlight the areas importance to both the local communities (through sustainable development and use of natural resources) and the larger international community as a World Heritage site.
A number of brochures have been produced by the society, including checklists for birds and Orchids as well as a Children's Conservation Booklet that has been distributed to schools.
Research projects include:
- the Black Eagle, The Rock Hyrax and the ongoing Leopard research project.
- Legislation is pursued to ensure the areas protection
- Funds have been set up by the Society for anti-poaching operations and the conservation of Matobo's rare tree Ferns
- The society has won awards for Service from the Bulawayo Rotary Club (1995) and the Certificate of Merit from the Natural Resources Board (1997)
A quarterly newsletter is sent out to all its members keeping everyone up-to-date with the latest news and regular field trips are run for the society's members. These trips are often linked with the other conservation specialist groups like Birdlife and the Zimbabwe tree Society.
For membership queries or donations please contact us at:
The Matobo Conservation Society
PO Box FM 648
FAMONA
Bulawayo
Zimbabwe
E-mail: dwalas@mweb.co.zw