INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK RELEVANT TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION (ECOTOURISM)
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
Does the law define the powers and responsibilities of each level of authority, including at central and local levels in relation to ecotourism?
2 answers
Section 3(extract)- There is hereby established an authority, to be known as the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority[…]
Section 5(extract)- Subject to this Act, the functions of the Authority shall be—
(a) to promote Zimbabwe as a destination for tourists, and to promote the
tourist industry in overseas, regional and domestic markets;
(b) to develop marketing skills and initiatives within the tourist industry;
Section 12(1)- The Chief Executive may refer any complaint by a tourist or user relating to the failure by a registered tour operator to fulfil his contractual obligations towards such tourist or user to the Arbitration Committee for examination and report.
Section 13(1)- The Minister may establish a committee to be called the Arbitration committee for the purposes of considering com plaints referred to in subsection (1) of section 12 and for making reports thereon.
Does the law specify criteria (such as Participation, Accountability, Non-Discrimination, Transparency, Human Dignity, Empowerment, Rule of Law) according to which such powers should be exercised?
1 answer
Section 3 (extract)- Zimbabwe is founded on respect for the following values and principles--[...] b. the rule of law;
c. fundamental human rights and freedoms;
d. the nation's diverse cultural, religious and traditional values; e. recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of each human being; f. recognition of the equality of all human beings; g. gender equality; h. good governance; and [...]
Section 13(4)- The State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must endeavour to facilitate rapid and equitable development, and in particular must take measures to--[...] 4 The State must ensure that local communities benefit from the resources in their areas
Section 56 (extract)- 1. All persons are equal before the law and have the right to equal protection and
benefit of the law.
2. Women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres.
Does the law provide for action taken by public authorities to be open to public scrutiny and assessed against measurable criteria?
1 answer
Section 62 (extract)- Every Zimbabwean citizen or permanent resident, including juristic persons and the Zimbabwean media, has the right of access to any information held by the State or by any institution or agency of government at every level, in so far as the information is required in the interests of public accountability [...]
Section 68 (extract)- 1. Every person has a right to administrative conduct that is lawful, prompt, efficient, reasonable, proportionate, impartial and both substantively and procedurally fair.
2. Any person whose right, freedom, interest or legitimate expectation has beenadversely affected by administrative conduct has the right to be given promptly and in writing the reasons for the conduct
