Environment of Zimbabwe
Environmental issues range from deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; a dwindling black rhinoceros and elephant herd
Environment Current Issues:
The country used to have within its borders the largest concentration of elephant and rhinoceros species in the world; these have reduced over the years due to factors like poaching; animal poisoning for ivory and poor mining practices. Resettlement programs have been a major factor in environmental degradation and soil erosion, in the process reducing agricultural yields. Over-grazing and agriculture, combined with the erosion, are causing desertification in some areas. Despite these environmental issues, Zimbabwe has some 1,747 species of trees among its 4,500 species of higher plants. The country is also home to a number of safari animals like elephants, lions, and hippos. In total 270 species of mammals are found in Zimbabwe along with 180 reptiles and 661 birds.
Some 30 different mineral deposits are dispersed throughout the country; and these range from substantial deposits of coal, platinum and chromium ore; smaller deposits of asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium and tin.
Most arable land in the country is located in the north and east; the lower lying land in the south and west is primarily suitable for grazing. There are a large number of tourist attractions, including the 26 national parks and game reserves.
Environment International Agreements:
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Environmental Policy and Manifestation:
Party to international agreements – Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
