Project

The ILUEMP (February 2021 to October 2025) is a sustainable integrated landscape management of the Gonarezhou National Park and its surrounds in Zimbabwe’s South East Lowveld. The project seeks to improve the livelihoods of communities living in transfrontier conservation areas, and offers incentives for these communities to become active conservation partners. The project also has a solar and carbon credits component, including the design and implementation of a Photovoltaic (Solar) Power Plant for Malilangwe Game Reserve.  The implementation of the Solar Plant will happen in three Phases with Phases 1 and 2 designed to take Malilangwe off the National Grid and produce all the Reserve’s power requirements.  The implementation of this plant will result in a stable, reliable and uninterrupted source of power and a reduction of Malilangwe’s energy and diesel-generator fuel bills. Removing Malilangwe Reserve from Zimbabwe’s national grid (that is heavily reliant on coal powered electricity generation) and replacing it with a clean, green alternative is good for the environment. A portion of Malilangwe’s cost of the Solar Power will go to SAT-WILD, and directed into community livelihood enhancement projects around Malilangwe and Gonarezhou National Park. The plant is to be designed with a 25-year lifespan, with the transfer of ownership to Malilangwe Trust taking place after 15 years in a build, own, operate and transfer type of contract.