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Statement on alleged false reports on conservation in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF)
January 29, 2007

The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, a non-governmental organization whose Mission Statement is "to work together with all sectors of the society to promote and ensure the sustainability of our fish and wildlife resources for current and future generations", has received a letter from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority dated 15th January 2007. This letter records the following:

"Due to continuous negative and false reports emanating from your organization about conservation in Zimbabwe, the Authority can no longer afford to associate with you, as this association is now a liability to the nation."

The averment of continuous negative and false reports is not substantiated or justified by the Authority.

On the contrary the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force asserts that all reports generated by it are factually correct and can be substantiated.

Any report as generated by the Task Force is motivated by a desire to promote good conservation measures for the benefit of the nation.

The author of the letter will be called upon to detail what alleged negative false reports emanating from the organization are complained of, as well as to explain how the Authority's association with the Task Force can be described as a "liability to the nation". Such detail is necessary to enable the Task Force to respond meaningfully to the generalized and unsubstantiated attack on its reputation and conduct.

The provisions of the Administrative Justice Act will be taken into account given that the real thrust of the letter would appear to be calculated in an attempt to close down the Task Force.

Given the publicity of the letter to other parties to whom the letter has been copied to, the Task Force and its members consider that the unsubstantiated false averments is per se defamatory of its members.The Task Force reserves such rights according to the law to protect its integrity and reputation.

The Authority has surprisingly indicated that it no longer wishes to accept any donations provided to it through the organization. It states that it intends to communicate this fact to all other organizations that have made contributions to conservation in Zimbabwe through the organization.

The decision to summarily close avenues for the promotion of conservation in donated material is manifestly irrational and not in the public interest.

The Authority has previously acknowledged material contributions made by the Task Force. It no longer wishes to do so. Perhaps its real intent is to ensure that no non-governmental organization monitors donated resources which in itself suggests a sinister agenda. The Task Force seeks transparency and accountability. If this is considered a "national liability", this is denied.

Appropriate media reports have been made detailing the unreasonable stance adopted by the Authority.

Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force

Visit the ZCTF fact sheet

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