With 2004 already underway, January sees VFAPU in it's sixth year of operation.

During this time, we have been through many ups and downs regarding the heightened poaching activity but we are determined to keep up our efforts to do whatever we can to minimise the loss of our natural resources around Victoria Falls. As long as we have all of your generous support to assist us, we are able to keep up this fight as best we can.

There are those who believe that this fight is just delaying the inevitable and believe that we are fighting a losing battle, but through time, we at VFAPU will hopefully prove these people wrong.

To date our operational successes are as follows:

• 142 poachers arrested for more serious offences.

• We cannot keep count of the number of wood poachers arrested.

• 36 landmines discovered in areas surrounding Victoria Falls town. These were all reported to the Zimbabwe National Army Engineers and have been destroyed.

• Over 10,000 snares discovered and removed from the bush.

• Conservation Education and Awareness for the community. We have implemented a number of programmes with this in mind, focusing on the local communities of DRC, Kinshasa and Umfelandawonye.

There is so much more that we can do and that needs to be done, but we are restricted by finances which are getting harder and harder to source. As you are all aware, the costs rise every day and scout salaries have to be met.

Please bear in mind that patrolling, arresting and prosecuting takes up about 80% of the scouts time and that I am still a volunteer who, when not working with VFAPU, have to earn a living too!

My task has recently been made much easier with the voluntary services of Anna Sutton and Richard Nsinganu. Anna will be assisting with the administration side of VFAPU, whilst Richard shall be in the field assisting in operations. If anyone else wishes to volunteer their services, please contact me - there is lots to be done.

"In recognition of contribution to action on and awareness of environmental issues", the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism has awarded the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit the Green Globe 21 Trophy for the last two years running. This is indeed an honour for us and we feel proud to be the recipient of this trophy, which we would like to dedicate to ALL our donors and supporters.

Without you, our conservation work would not be possible - Thank you.

© Afrikeye 1999 - 2007 (certain items under permission of original copyright owner)

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