ROLE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN ENHANCING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN NATIONAL PARKS IN ZIMBABWE: INSIGHTS FROM
GONAREZHOU NATIONAL PARK

ROLE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN ENHANCING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN NATIONAL PARKS IN ZIMBABWE: INSIGHTS FROM
GONAREZHOU NATIONAL PARK

PATIENCE MUTIZIRA

CATHRINE PAADA KWINJE

RICHARD TERERAI

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have gained traction as innovative management strategies
for national parks globally, yet their role in Africa, particularly within Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou
National Park, remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of PPPs on tourism
development and conservation efforts in Gonarezhou National Park. The study used a
qualitative methodology. The study conducted 20 in-depth interviews. The participants were
purposively selected. Thematic analysis was employed to evaluate generated data, revealing
significant findings. Results indicated that PPPs have substantially improved infrastructure,
financial support, and specialized skills within the park, leading to enhanced visitor experiences
and increased wildlife conservation effectiveness. Despite these advancements, challenges that
that continue to exist hinder the full realization of PPP benefits including economic instability,
insufficient stakeholder consultation, and conflicting management objectives.
Recommendations included fostering inclusive stakeholder engagement, addressing economic barriers, and developing adaptive management frameworks that align diverse conservation
goals

ZIBEM

2024