Hwage National Park General Management Plan 2016-2026.

The Hwage National Park General Management Plan 2016-2026 outlines a strategy for the park over the next 10 years based on a park purpose, and comprehensive zoning scheme. All activities are separated into four programmes, each with its own purpose which is supported by a set of objectives and targets. The four management programmes address logically grouped issues and they are: 1. Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management Programme. Its purpose is to conserve biodiversity, ecological processes, wilderness qualities and values through monitoring, applied research and targeted management interventions. (objectives: research and monitoring effectively addresses management needs; wildlife populations, ecological biodiversity and key habitats are protected, maintained and enhanced; land use issues in the greater Hwange area are addressed). 2. Sustainable Tourism Programme. The aim of this program is to provide a diverse and sustainable, high quality wildlife viewing, wilderness and cultural experience to both local and international visitors that maximises income whilst ensuring that the biodiversity and environmental values of the park are not eroded. (Objectives: Tourism product improved, expanded and diversified; Management and administration of tourism improved; Educational facilities and activities developed, improved, promoted and interpreted effectively; Branding and marketing focussed and coordinated). 3. Park Operations Administration and Infrastructure Program This program has the purpose to achieve a transparent, accountable and efficient administration and management of human, financial and physical resources to support the Hwange National Park’ purpose. (Objectives. Effective and efficient human resource base available; Appropriate infrastructure improved; Adequate equipment acquired; Resource protection optimised; Improved financial management accountability; Sustainable management of water provision for biodiversity). 4. Collaborative Management Program. The purpose of the program is to promote an inclusive partnership between Hwange NP, local communities and regional and international stakeholders which fosters participation and custodianship (Objectives: Human-wildlife coexistence improved; Communities and other relevant stakeholders benefit from Hwange; Stakeholder awareness of Hwange and the environment raised significantly; Collaborative management of Hwange sociological system improved and facilitated).