LUXURY safari camp operators in Zimbabwe have voiced their objections against a planned oil exploration programme within the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park.
The park, renowned for its pristine beauty and abundant wildlife, is at risk due to a mining company’s application to prospect for oil and gas in an area covering 130,000 hectares, including the national park itself. Shalom Mining, the company behind the application, has faced opposition from African Bush Camps and Wilderness Safaris, both operating camps within Mana Pools.
African Bush Camps, in a letter to the Mining Affairs Board on May 15, expressed concerns that granting the permit to Shalom Mining would contribute to global warming and biodiversity loss. Wilderness Safaris, operating three camps in Mana Pools, also raised objections to the proposed oil exploration. Mana Pools National Park, located along the Zambezi River, is a vital habitat for various wildlife species, including elephants, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The unique ecosystem supported by the park’s braided river channels and floodplains is considered of immense ecological significance.
Both camp operators argue that the oil drilling plan poses a direct threat to the delicate balance of the ecosystem and emphasize the importance of preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Mana Pools. They highlight that sustainable tourism, which relies on protecting pristine ecosystems, plays a crucial role in the long-term viability of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. The objection from luxury Safari camp operators underscores the significance of protecting the country’s natural heritage and finding a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.