Our Projects
Friends of Hwange (FOH) focuses on two main areas – Water Provision for Wildlife within Hwange National Park, and the development of Anti-poaching Initiatives.
As there is no natural surface water available for wildlife in the dry winter months, FOH works hard to ensure that sufficient water is available for the wildlife throughout the dry season. This goes hand in hand with maintaining a decent road network. Fire Management is also an integral part of the work we undertake.
More recently, the development of an effective anti-poaching strategy both inside and outside HNP to prevent decimation of wildlife is ongoing. This ties in with efforts to assist with Human Wildlife Conflict Mitigation, as well as teaching conservation awareness within the communities living adjacent to the Park.
We foster a close working relationship with ZimParks that makes this work possible.
Our Projects
WATER FOR WILDLIFE
Friends of Hwange maintains solar-powered boreholes that provide critical water during the dry season. As natural sources vanish, demand peaks, especially among elephants. This vital work sustains wildlife until rains return and the seasonal migration cycle begins anew.
FIRE CONTROL & ROAD MAINTENANCE
Road maintenance is the backbone of our operations, enabling access for firefighting, water provision, and anti-poaching. Each dry season, we build and maintain firebreaks to protect Hwange’s precious vegetation from devastating wildfires deliberately set by poachers.
HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT MITIGATION
We work with local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict through education, simple deterrents, and improved water access. By promoting coexistence and conservation awareness, we help protect both rural livelihoods and Hwange’s wildlife from avoidable, often tragic, confrontations.
ANTI-POACHING INITIATIVES
We support ZimParks in tackling poaching, illegal grazing, and deforestation. From snare removal to monitoring ivory threats, our efforts help protect Hwange’s wildlife and habitats from escalating human pressures driven by poverty, charcoal trade, and bushmeat demand.
