PRESERVE: Elephants in the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) . Photo: KAZA
PRESERVE: Elephants in the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) . Photo: KAZA

Zimbabwe to host SADC TFCA summit

Ellanie Smit
Zimbabwe will host the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) international conference and summit of heads of state and government from 19 to 23 May in Harare.

Globally, there are more than 220 TFCAs, with 13 situated in the SADC region, each at varying stages of development and implementation.

The summit is themed 'Transfrontier Conservation Areas – 25 years of cooperation for regional integration and sustainable development'.

Transfrontier conservation areas are cross-border initiatives aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use and eco-tourism.

Boosting growth and biodiversity

In a statement, the SADC Secretariat said these initiatives are vital for Zimbabwe and other member states with TFCAs, as they protect ecosystems and wildlife, boost economic growth, strengthen regional cooperation and empower local communities.

The conference and summit aim to strengthen political commitment to the TFCA programme, encourage investment, and promote cross-sector integration for sustainable development.

The conference and summit are supported by the European Union and Germany.

The summit is expected to produce an action plan supporting the SADC TFCA Programme (2023–2033), new binding agreements to establish additional TFCAs, and the signing of joint management and sustainable financing frameworks between SADC governments and international partners.

It will also review ongoing efforts to implement the SADC TFCA cooperation model.

Namibia is a member in addition to Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

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