Zimbabwe's wildlife group doesn't want mining in Hwange National Park. They asked the mining ministry to reject someone's request to look for minerals there. The area houses endangered black rhinos that need protection.
"Black rhinos live here, and we must save them," ZimParks explained Thursday. These animals face serious extinction threats and fall under special international protection rules. The group believes mining would make things worse for rhinos trying to recover their numbers.
ZimParks worries that mining would hurt Zimbabwe's reputation for caring for wildlife. Tourism brings most of their money through park visits and leased areas. They fear fewer visitors would come if mining starts, cutting funds needed for conservation work.
The environmental risks concern them greatly. Mining creates pollution that disrupts wildlife and makes poaching easier. The Bumbusi ruins stand nearby - a sacred place where Namibian-speaking communities perform yearly rituals, adding cultural reasons to block mining.
Africa's second-largest elephant population calls this park home. ZimParks fears mining might change how water flows underground. Water shortages already cause problems, and mining could make elephants die or push them toward human settlements looking for water.
ZimParks stands firm against the mining proposal. They urge government officials to protect nature instead of making money from mineral extraction. The future of many endangered species depends on keeping their habitats safe from commercial development.
"Black rhinos live here, and we must save them," ZimParks explained Thursday. These animals face serious extinction threats and fall under special international protection rules. The group believes mining would make things worse for rhinos trying to recover their numbers.
ZimParks worries that mining would hurt Zimbabwe's reputation for caring for wildlife. Tourism brings most of their money through park visits and leased areas. They fear fewer visitors would come if mining starts, cutting funds needed for conservation work.
The environmental risks concern them greatly. Mining creates pollution that disrupts wildlife and makes poaching easier. The Bumbusi ruins stand nearby - a sacred place where Namibian-speaking communities perform yearly rituals, adding cultural reasons to block mining.
Africa's second-largest elephant population calls this park home. ZimParks fears mining might change how water flows underground. Water shortages already cause problems, and mining could make elephants die or push them toward human settlements looking for water.
ZimParks stands firm against the mining proposal. They urge government officials to protect nature instead of making money from mineral extraction. The future of many endangered species depends on keeping their habitats safe from commercial development.
