The environmental challenge to the nation-state: Superparks and national parks policy in Zimbabwe

The transnational nature of environmental problems has highlighted the need for cooperation between nation-states. In southern Africa the field of wildlife conservation has already witnessed a growth in multinational conservation schemes. The Trans Border Conservation Area or 'superpark' which incorporates parts of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa is a good example. While the ecological and economic basis of the superpark has been agreed, political factors have slowed its implementation. This article explores the political context of the superpark proposal within Zimbabwe, and analyses why the Zimbabwean state has proved to be less enthusiastic than its partners. In particular, it examines the internal disagreements in the ruling party and in the Parks Department which have proved to be significant stumbling blocks for wildlife conservation. The troubled history of the area covered by the superpark is investigated, including the impact of military forces from the three partner states and poaching operations in the 1980s. All of these factors have impacted on the Zimbabwean state's willingness to cede control to a transnational park authority.