The Conservation & Extension (Conex) Division was formed in 2002 following the amalgamation of the Indigenous Resources Division and the Extension Division. Headquartered in Harare, it operates throughout Zimbabwe and is structured into two departments.
Field Operations
Headed by the Operations Manager, this department coordinates on-the-ground forestry extension and field activities across the country.
Gazetted Forest Management
Led by the Chief Conservator of Forests, this department oversees the conservation and sustainable management of all gazetted indigenous forests.
Purpose of the Division
To enhance the supply and sustainable management of trees and forest resources — particularly in communal and resettlement areas — through four core pillars.
Community Empowerment
Equipping communities with knowledge and practical skills in tree planting and management.
Sustainable Use & Value Addition
Promoting sustainable and economic use of forest products through value-addition along the chain.
Forest-based Enterprise Support
Supporting communities to establish enterprises by providing:
- Technical training
- Organisational capacity
- Marketing skills
Gazetted Forest Management
Sustainable management and utilisation of gazetted indigenous forests across Zimbabwe.
Four Goals That Guide Us
Our work is organised around four strategic goals — spanning environmental protection, regulation, economic contribution and accurate record-keeping.
Reduce Environmental Degradation
- Seedling production & tree planting
- Conduct anti-poaching patrols
Increase Compliance with Forestry Regulations
- Organise workshops for staff & stakeholders
- Publicise new regulations through mass media
- Conduct inspections to ensure compliance
- Issue forest produce movement permits
- Accredit exporting companies
Increase Forestry Contribution to GDP
- Increase random checks at border posts
- Establish revenue collection systems
- Develop guidelines and proposals for main sources
- Support forest-based enterprises
- Implement loss-control measures
Improve Accuracy of Records of Forest Resources
- Map forest resources at district level
- Conduct timber inventories in gazetted forests
- Protect gazetted forests from fire
- Develop and maintain game water supplies
- Conduct game counts
- Review forest management plans for gazetted forests