Between January and June, our work across Chewore South and neighbouring communities reached several important milestones.

We completed the first full ecological assessment of the reserve, giving us a baseline against which ecosystem recovery can be measured. Rangers logged more than 1,200 patrol days and made 40 arrests, while 17 new recruits began training. Chenje Camp also opened its doors, welcoming its first guest groups in May.

We brought our proposed Zambezi Valley biodiversity credit model to a national workshop in Kadoma, while discussions continued with the Government of Zimbabwe on establishing Chewore South and Mbire Ward 11 as national pilots for biodiversity financing. In June, the Lion Recovery Fund awarded USD 70,000 to strengthen efforts to tackle snaring and the targeted poaching of lions.

For communities living alongside Chewore South, the 22 km elephant- and predator-proof fence around Masoka is nearing completion. The upgraded solar-powered water system now serves around 1,500 people and has reduced the walk for water from more than 5 km to about 1 km.

Our Mid-Year Impact Report takes a closer look at the results from the first six months of 2026 and what comes next.