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🇿🇼 Zimbabwe /Environment & Climate

SAFIRE Wins Award for Three Decades of Community Conservation Work

From AllAfrica Zimbabwe · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • SAFIRE received the Environmental Stewardship and Social Impact Award for over three decades of community conservation in Zimbabwe.
  • The award recognizes SAFIRE's work in empowering local communities to manage and benefit from natural resources.
  • SAFIRE's programs have positively impacted thousands of households, increasing incomes and restoring degraded land.

The Southern Alliance for Indigenous Resources (SAFIRE) has been honored with the Environmental Stewardship and Social Impact Award at the 2026 Manicaland Province Corporate Social Responsibility, ESG, and Responsible Business Awards. This recognition celebrates more than three decades of SAFIRE's dedicated community-led conservation efforts across Zimbabwe.

This recognition is a proud milestone for SAFIRE and for the communities we have had the privilege to work alongside over the past three decades.

— Estella ToperesuSAFIRE Director commenting on the award received for community conservation work.

The award comes as Zimbabwe strengthens its legal framework for community involvement in natural resource management, notably through the Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act of 2025, which formally acknowledges community environmental rights. SAFIRE Director Estella Toperesu stated that the award underscores the critical importance of centering conservation initiatives around local communities.

"This recognition is a proud milestone for SAFIRE and for the communities we have had the privilege to work alongside over the past three decades," Toperesu said. "It affirms our conviction that lasting conservation is achieved when local people are empowered to restore, manage and sustainably benefit from their natural resources." She added that the organization aims to expand its reach and partnerships, aligning with Zimbabwe's increasing focus on community-centered environmental stewardship.

It affirms our conviction that lasting conservation is achieved when local people are empowered to restore, manage and sustainably benefit from their natural resources.

— Estella ToperesuSAFIRE Director explaining the organization's approach to conservation.

Founded in 1994, SAFIRE has worked with rural communities in Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South. Its programs have reached over 33,000 households, increasing average monthly incomes by approximately US$165. SAFIRE has also significantly contributed to environmental restoration, planting over 500,000 trees, restoring 50,000 hectares of degraded land, and protecting 5,600 hectares of arable land. The organization's community-based natural resource management model is now adopted by all 60 Rural District Councils in Zimbabwe.

At a time when Zimbabwe is placing greater emphasis on community-centred environmental stewardship and sustainable development, this award reinforces the relevance of that approach.

— Estella ToperesuSAFIRE Director highlighting the award's significance in the national context.
About this summary

Originally published by AllAfrica Zimbabwe in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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