Zimbabwe has announced a major policy shift that will direct 100% of international hunting revenue to local CAMPFIRE (Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources) communities. This marks a significant change from prior revenue-sharing models and aims to empower rural populations who live alongside wildlife. The move recognizes these communities’ vital role in conservation and ties their well-being directly to sustainable wildlife management.
By providing full financial autonomy, the policy is expected to enhance community development, incentivize conservation, and promote biodiversity protection. It sets a new precedent for community-based conservation, potentially influencing other countries to adopt similar equitable benefit-sharing strategies. Monitoring outcomes and ensuring fair distribution will be key to its long-term success.
