About Us
Born in the lowveld, built on one insight
SAFIRE began in 1994 in the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe’s lowveld.
At the time, surrounding forests were being rapidly degraded — trees cut, soils eroding, water sources drying up. What became clear was simple: humanitarian support alone was not enough. The environment itself had to be restored for people to recover.
That insight shaped SAFIRE’s foundation:
Healthy ecosystems and resilient livelihoods must exist together.
Since then, SAFIRE has expanded across Zimbabwe’s lowveld — including Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South — working in some of the country’s driest and most climate-vulnerable districts.
Our Vision
Thriving and diverse ecosystems supporting productive lands and resilient communities.
Our Mission
To strengthen local communities to restore, manage and sustainably benefit from thriving ecosystems.
Our Core Values
Community at heart
Every decision starts with what is good for the people SAFIRE works with — not what looks good in a report.
Accountability
SAFIRE owns its work and its mistakes. No corporate evasiveness — honest communication with all partners.
Inclusivity
Women and youth are centred — not as targets, but as leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs.
Environmental stewardship
Nature is not a backdrop. It is the core asset that communities restore, manage, and sustainably benefit from.
Transparency
SAFIRE communicates openly — with communities, donors, and government partners — about what works and what doesn't.
Innovation
Solutions come from combining local indigenous knowledge with modern approaches — neither alone is enough.
