Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
THE progress made in the Sadc region in establishing and developing Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) is a prime example to the rest of the world, as the region has contributed significantly to the 30 by 30 target of the Global Biodiversity Framework, a German envoy has said.
The 30 by 30 target calls for 30 percent of the earth’s land and sea to be conserved through the establishment of protected areas and other area-based conservation measures.
In a communiqué, the SADC Secretariat said German Ambassador to Zimbabwe Udo Volz highlighted that the progress made in the SADC region in respect of TFCAs had been immense.
“Since the inception of TFCAs, SADC has established 13: Lubombo TFCA (comprising Eswatini, Mozambique, and South Africa), Ponta de Ouro-Isimangaliso TFCA, Maloti-Drakensberg (between Lesotho and South Africa), Chimanimani TFCA (between Mozambique and Zimbabwe), Great Limpopo TFCA (covering Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe), Ai/Ais-Richtersveld TFCA (between Namibia and South Africa), Greater Mapungubwe TFCA (between South Africa and Zimbabwe), 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),” said the Secretariat.
Zimbabwe is currently hosting the ongoing SADC (TFCA) Conference, which has drawn over 500 delegates and 30 exhibitors, including representatives from Member States, International Cooperating Partners, Non-Governmental Organisations, academia, traditional and community leaders, and wildlife conservation experts, reflecting its importance.
The gathering is one of the precursors to the inaugural TFCA Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, to be chaired by President Mnangagwa in his capacity as the SADC Chairperson on Friday.
President Mnangagwa has continued to stress the importance of safeguarding the region’s natural heritage. On his part, the Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe, Mr Franck Porte, hailed the TFCA Conference as a significant milestone in SADC’s regional conservation efforts, emphasising that cross-border conservation initiatives are vital for safeguarding the planet’s rich natural heritage while driving regional integration.
“He highlighted the EU’s support for TFCAs through the Global Gateway flagship initiative called NaturAfrica, which focuses on three pillars: Biodiversity Conservation, Green Economy, and Governance and Partnerships, each essential to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystems,” said SADC.
Meanwhile, SADC has refuted claims made by the South African news outlet, News24, that the regional bloc has abandoned its troops in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The media outlet claimed that transport arrangements for soldiers, including buses intended for their movement, failed to materialise.
In a statement yesterday, the SADC Secretariat said the allegations were false and had not been confirmed with the regional bloc before publication.
“The Southern African Development Community (SADC) categorically refutes the allegations published by News24 on May 18, 2025, which suggest that SADC has neglected its troops deployed in Goma, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
