Robert Zvidza
A devastating fire recently broke out at the Mukuvisi Woodlands, reducing the offices of the Action Institute for Environment, Health and Development Communication (AIEHDC) to ashes. The blaze destroyed property valued at over USD 200,000, leaving the organization and its partners counting significant losses.
Formerly known as Action Magazine, the Action Institute for Environment, Health and Development Communication (AIEHDC) is a leading environmental and conservation organisation based at Mukuvisi Woodlands—one of Harare’s key tourist attractions and ecological education centres.
The offices just adjacent to the game park, constructed using a blend of glass, wood, and brick to provide a panoramic view of wildlife in the game park, now stand as a charred shell, with scarcely any trace of their original form.
Among the destroyed assets were high-end photographic equipment including video and still cameras, drones and accessories, computers and servers, printers, office furniture, and large quantities of educational magazines awaiting national distribution.
“This has stifled our operations and we have nowhere to start from since everything that we had has been reduced to ashes,” said Mr Wilberforce Kandiero, Production Manager at AIEHDC.
Mr Kandiero confirmed that AIEHDC was not the only organization affected. The offices were shared with other key conservation and education bodies including Zimbabwe Network of Early Childhood Development Actors (ZINECDA) and Conservation Conversation. These organizations also suffered substantial losses in the fire.
“We are appealing to well-wishers, individuals, organisations and even government to assist us so that we resume our work,” added Mr Kandiero.
Although investigations are ongoing, preliminary findings by staff suggest the fire was likely caused by an electrical fault.
Established in 1987, Action Magazine—now AIEHDC—has played a pivotal role in shaping Zimbabwe’s environmental and health communication landscape, particularly among school-going children.
Launched during a time of growing public interest in conservation and sustainable development, the magazine quickly became a trusted source of information for schools, communities, and policymakers.
As the organisation evolved, it expanded beyond print media to include grassroots engagement, educational outreach, and multimedia campaigns. AIEHDC has worked closely with relevant ministries and like-minded organisations to tackle pressing issues such as environmental degradation, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and public health.
Over the years, AIEHDC has attracted prominent thought leaders and professionals dedicated to impactful communication for young audiences. Among them is Professor Ruby Magosvongwe, the current Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, who played a key role in shaping the organisation’s child-focused educational content.
However, the AIEHDC’s longstanding commitment to empowering communities—particularly children and youth—with knowledge and tools for sustainable development has been disrupted. It is hoped that the organisation will soon regain its footing and continue its vital work.
