Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
This past week, Zimbabwe hosted the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) International Conference and Summit of Heads of State and Government, showcasing the region’s unwavering commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity.
SADC has demonstrated its dedication to TFCAs, emerging as a global example in biodiversity conservation efforts.
This summit not only highlighted past achievements, but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at achieving the critical Global Biodiversity target of conserving 30 percent of the earth’s land and seas.
The SADC bloc has successfully established 13 TFCAs. These are Lubombo TFCA, comprising Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa, Ponta de Ouro-Isimangaliso, Maloti-Drakensberg between Lesotho and South Africa, and Chimanimani, between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The others are Great Limpopo TFCA, covering Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, Ai/Ais-Richtersveld TFCA between Namibia and South Africa, and Greater Mapungubwe TFCA between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In addition to that are KAZA, covering Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Malawi-Zambia TFCA between Malawi and Zambia, Niassa-Selous TFCA between Mozambique and the United Republic of Tanzania, Iona-Skeleton Coast between Angola and Namibia, Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and ZIMOZA TFCA covering Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
These transboundary conservation efforts have been pivotal in connecting ecosystems across national borders, reinforcing the idea that conservation transcends political boundaries.
Each TFCA plays a vital role in not only protecting wildlife, but also in promoting regional integration and sustainable development.
The theme of the conference, “Transfrontier Conservation Areas-25 years of cooperation for regional integration and sustainable development,” underscored the collaborative spirit that has characterised SADC’s approach to conservation.
The commitment from all SADC member states to enhance political will for biodiversity preservation is crucial.
“I urge us to leverage this Summit to reflect on our achievements, on one hand, but most importantly, chart a sustainable path forward, informed by experience and the lessons we have learnt along the way.
Speaking during the Summit of Heads of State, SADC Chairman, President Mnangagwa said:
“Key in this respect is that conservation must be inclusive, engaging governments, local communities, researchers, and the private sector.
“Undoubtedly, the Transfrontier Conservation Areas Model has proven that environmental protection and socio-economic development are mutually reinforcing and complementary.”
The SADC TFCAs Programme (2023-2033) serves as a guiding framework for future actions, emphasising the importance of reflecting on past successes while charting a sustainable path forward.
This reflective process is vital for addressing challenges and leveraging lessons learnt over the years.
The call for inclusivity in conservation efforts is particularly noteworthy. Engaging governments, local communities, researchers, and the private sector ensures a comprehensive approach that recognises the interdependence of environmental protection and socio-economic development.
Germany’s involvement in supporting SADC’s conservation agenda exemplifies the international recognition of these efforts.
With over 270 million euros invested in various TFCA initiatives over the past 25 years, Germany has played a significant role in fostering regional biodiversity conservation.
The support from the European Union, particularly through the recent launch of the NaturAfrica Global Gateway flagship initiative, further highlights the global investment in SADC’s conservation strategies.
The injection of 33 million euros aims to accelerate conservation efforts, improve local livelihoods, and strengthen governance within TFCAs.
Southern Africa boasts an impressive 3 940 protected areas, covering approximately 1,9 million km² of terrestrial landscapes and 473 000 km² of seascapes.
The establishment of 18 TFCAs, which span over one million km², positions the region as a crucial ecological corridor, facilitating the movement of wildlife and the connectivity of ecosystems across 16 SADC Member States.
This ecological network is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources.
The success of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP), established in 1999 between Botswana and South Africa, laid the groundwork for a larger network of transboundary conservation areas.
KTP’s achievements have inspired subsequent initiatives, including the recent addition of the Iona-Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Park between Angola and Namibia.
This expansion reaffirms the commitment of SADC leaders to enhance regional ecological connectivity and conservation.
As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, SADC’s proactive approach to TFCAs serves as a model for other regions.
The emphasis on collaborative governance, community engagement, and international support illustrates a multifaceted strategy for addressing biodiversity loss.
The integration of socio-economic development within conservation efforts not only enhances local livelihoods, but also fosters a sense of ownership among communities, making them essential partners in sustainability.
The conference’s focus on political commitment and collective action resonates with the broader global movement towards biodiversity conservation.
The call for increased political will from SADC leaders reflects a recognition of the urgent need to address environmental degradation and climate change.
By strengthening partnerships among member states and with international stakeholders, SADC is positioning itself as a leader in global conservation efforts, something noted by Germany.
The SADC TFCA Conference and Summit represented a significant milestone in the region’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation.
The achievements of the past 25 years serve as a foundation for future initiatives, with a clear focus on inclusivity, political will, and sustainable development.
As SADC continues to build on its successes, it sets an example for the world, demonstrating that effective conservation strategies can transcend borders and foster regional integration.
The collaborative efforts of governments, local communities, and international partners will be crucial in ensuring that the SADC region remains a beacon of hope for biodiversity conservation in the years to come.
