Zimbabwe: Human Conflict/Environmental Consequences

In Zimbabwe, growing political and economic instability has put unprecedented pressure on the country's environment. Deforestation, poaching and unsustainable resource exploitation are destroying what was once among the best-managed park systems in Africa. As a result, people who depend on the country's natural resources - either for day- to-day living or as part of the tourism industry - are suffering. Reporter Stephanie Hanes and photographer Jeffrey Barbee traveled to Zimbabwe to document the unraveling of the country's conservation network. They focused on Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park – two areas that were once prime conservation and tourism spots but are now severely threatened. Their reports have appeared in newspaper and television accounts.