https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conservezim-conservezim-402997277_fao-and-forestry-commission-launch-initiative-activity-7298972921887121411-Htq-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAEOZZoIBX1-7rFcrw04ZfUeUPSSwOOU74oo FAO and Forestry Commission Launch Initiative to Preserve Miombo Forests John Cassim The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has launched a major new initiative to protect the Miombo woodlands in Zimbabwe, a crucial ecosystem that supports the livelihoods of millions of rural residents. The $1.7 million project, funded by the Italian government, will be implemented in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. In Zimbabwe, FAO will work closely with the Forestry Commission and local communities in the Mudzi, Rushinga and Chipinge districts to address the growing threats facing the Miombo woodlands. Meanwhile the Miombo forest spans across parts of Angola, Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, covering 1.9 million square kilometers. The project commenced recently, focusing on engaging key stakeholders and laying the groundwork for effective implementation. The Miombo is a biome encompassing tropical and subtropical grasslands, bushlands, and savannahs. It also includes four bio-regions and plays a crucial role in maintaining the Greater Zambezi, one of the most important transnational river basins. Wildlife commonly found in the Miombo forests includes the sable antelope, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, common duiker, African buffalo, greater kudu, African elephant, eland, Sharpe's grysbok, black rhinoceros, and Burchell's zebra. Currently, FAO and the Forestry Commission in Zimbabwe are conducting stakeholder inception meetings for a new Miombo woodlands restoration project in Chipinge, Mudzi, and Rushinga. Comprehensive on-site assessments and stakeholder engagements with district-level officials, community leaders, environmental organizations, and industry representatives are underway. These activities involve evaluating the current state of forest resources and identifying local challenges and opportunities. For more on this story please follow the link below: https://www.conservezim.com/2025/02/22/fao-and-forestry-commission-launch-initiative-to-preserve-miombo-forests/