The US$15 million Save Valley Conservancy (SVC) conservation project has been thrown a lifeline after operators at the wildlife habitat and communities around it sealed a landmark agreement paving the way for creation of a wildlife corridor.

Masvingo provincial development coordinator Mr Fungai Mbetsa yesterday confirmed a deal had been struck paving the way for the EU to release funding for SVC conservation.

He said the political leadership in Chiredzi led the talks culminating in an agreement.

“Right now I am in possession of a document that was signed by both parties that is the conservancy operators and representatives of communities around the park. The document is an agreement by the two parties that will have way for the creation of a wildlife corridor,” he said.

“The agreement basically paves the way for EU to release funds it had pledged for various projects at SVC.”

He said part of the money from the EU will go toward rebuilding the double perimeter fence at SVC that was vandalised.

“Some of the money will also go towards development of irrigation schemes for the communities. The idea is to start sustainable projects in agriculture for the adjacent communities so that they are self-reliant in terms of both food and income.”

He said Government will soon approach the EU informing the block about the deal between operators and communities around SVC.

“Copies of the signed agreement (between operators and communities) will be forwarded to the ministries of Local Government and Tourism. We expect the EU will now move in,” he said.

Mr Mbetsa said Government remained committed to restoring normalcy at Save Valley saying the planned creation of a wildlife corridor would restore the conservancy’s yesteryear glory.

Save Valley is one of the world-acclaimed wildlife habitat that is located in the wildlife-rich south east Lowveld.

The conservancy is made of several properties some of which are protected under the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) with EU countries.

The conservation project championed by the EU will lead to the demarcation of a new boundary around the park which will be fenced anew to stem human/wildlife conflict.

Save Valley shares a border with communities in Bikita, Zaka, Chiredzi, Chipinge and Buhera who have been at the receiving end of straying animals that destroy crops, property and sometimes claiming life and limb.