By: Travel and tour world

Zimbabwe’s recognition as a leading global tourism destination—celebrated for its pristine wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage—now faces an urgent contradiction. The very assets that attract visitors are increasingly threatened by mining expansion driven by short-term economic pressures.

The country’s tourism appeal rests on iconic sites like Hwange National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, and sacred landscapes such as the Matobo Hills and Boterekwa Gorge. However, quarrying, coal extraction, and other mining operations are scarring these areas, polluting waterways, and destabilizing ecosystems. Heritage sites and local communities are particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation from unchecked extractive activities.

While mining offers immediate revenue and jobs, it jeopardizes the sustainable, long-term value of tourism—a sector built on renewable natural and cultural resources. Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads: it can either enforce stricter environmental regulations, curb destructive mining, and invest in eco-tourism, or risk losing its hard-earned global reputation and the economic benefits that come with it.

The call is for a shift toward sustainable development—one that balances economic needs with the preservation of Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural wealth. By protecting its landscapes and wildlife, the country can secure a thriving tourism future, support local communities, and maintain its place as a world-class destination.