Zimbabwe: Hillside Dams Conversancy

About the local hosting organization

Lying within the Bulawayo City boundary, Hillside Dams Conservancy's natural vegetation is still largely intact and includes a wide range of species and a diverse bird life. As a community-oriented project the area has been leased by a group of local residents with the aim of restoring it to being once again one of the prime recreational venues in Bulawayo, to be enjoyed by all of its residents. (www.hillsidedams.com)

Presentation of the programme

The volunteer at Hillside Dams Conservancy will be expected to support in the following key result areas: • Eradicate invasive vegetation in the dried riverbed to allow free flow. • Design and dig a drainage system to direct water flow into the river. • Harvest water during rainy seasons, ensuring a consistent supply. Objectives:  Enhanced ecosystem services and biodiversity.  Improve water quality and quantity  Enhance the scenery and landscape of the conservancy  Forster community engagement and environmental awareness. Volunteers will also contribute to process of Ecosystem Restoration through o Mechanical vegetation eradication and habitat restoration o Drain design and construction o Contribute expertise and any other resources at your disposal

About the accomodation

Food: Basic meals will be provided from what is locally available in the local community. Volunteers are therefore advised to be flexible and open-minded. This will make it easy for them to negotiate their entry into the community. Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated at the camping site. Volunteers should bring their own camping tent, sleeping bag and a small mattress. Running water is available, Water system toilets showers are available.

About the location

The City of Bulawayo is the leisure and cultural capital of Zimbabwe

Requirements

No special skills are required in this program. Basically, passion and commitment are all volunteers require to take part in this program. Development Practitioners are most welcome to this project. Volunteers with other ideas to share are most welcome.