Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
Scores of delegates from the 16-member SADC regional bloc are in Harare, Zimbabwe for the five-day SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) international conference.
Apart from the main deliberations, the conference will also be a platform to celebrate and reflect on the 25th anniversary of the SADC TFCA programme with a shared commitment to preserving the region’s natural heritage.
This conference has its own set of promises, plans and paperwork to chase as well as aiming to fill the gaps which were not met.
Here’s what you need to know about why the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) international conference matters:
What are TFCAs?
Conservation experts say TFCAs are collaborative conservation efforts that span across national borders, designed to promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of resources and eco-tourism. These initiatives are of significant importance for Zimbabwe and most other SADC member states covered by TFCAs, as they not only safeguard vital ecosystems and wildlife, but also contribute to economic growth, enhance regional cooperation, and empower local communities.
What is the theme for this year’s TFCA conference?
“Transfrontier Conservation Areas-25 years of cooperation for regional integration and sustainable development.”
Who is attending
the TFCA conference?
This conference has brought together delegates from across the SADC region, including Heads of State and Government from SADC member states, traditional leaders, conservation partners, international organisations representatives, and experts from various key sectors including multilateral funding agencies.
What is the major
aim of the TFCA conference?
The conference provides a platform for SADC countries to discuss solutions, including tackling conservation problems, recalibrating TFCA policies, financing schemes or funding needs.
The attendance of regional leaders gives an important signal that their countries are committed to the SADC TFCA goals. Organisers say the primary objectives of the conference and summit are to strengthen political commitment to the TFCA Programme, promote investments in TFCAs, and enhance cross-sectoral integration for sustainable development.
Which are the supporting partners for TFCAs programme?
The Joint Action “NaturAfrica/Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management in the SADC (C-NRM) Programme”, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is supporting the SADC TFCA International Conference and Summit and will actively participate in key sessions.
For decades, the development of TFCAs has been a major focus area of cooperation between SADC, the EU and Germany. The Joint Action builds on over 20 years of support to TFCAs through both technical and financial cooperation, organisers said.
Is the TFCAs process working?
The mere fact that the programme has been running for the past two-and-a-half decades shows its relevance. The summit offers countries a chance to show their citizens how the region is tackling the problems related to transboundary conservation. Importantly, the exercise has seen countries counting and reporting their programming activities and how they are moving to conserve the shared natural heritage. By making decisions by consensus, the process by the SADC block ensures strong support from multilateral agencies for agreed actions. This improves the chances these actions will be implemented and supported.
What will we get
out of the TFCA summit?
This year’s summit is hoping for a number of headline agreements: the development of an action plan to support the SADC TFCA Programme, new binding agreements for establishing additional TFCAs, the signing of Joint Management Frameworks, and sustainable financing agreements between SADC Heads of State and Government and International Cooperating Partners. Additionally, there will be a review of ongoing efforts to implement the SADC TFCA model of cooperation, reinforcing partnerships among SADC Member States, organisers say.
This summit also aims to strengthen collective commitment to preserving Southern Africa’s rich biodiversity and to creating a sustainable future for generations to come, especially for the SADC citizens, who are essential to the success of these conservation efforts and their beneficiary.
What is Zimbabwe’s
role in the TFCA summit?
Zimbabwe holds the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which it assumed on August 17, 2024, during the 44th SADC Summit which was held in Harare. President Mnangagwa became the Chairperson, succeeding President João Lourenço of Angola. This marks a period where Zimbabwe, under President Mnangagwa is responsible for guiding the SADC’s governance and policy direction.
As summit host, a country works to steer pre-summit negotiations, the deliberations and implementation strategies. This gives the chairmanship an important part in defining the summit’s priorities.
What else will happen
at this TFCAs summit?
Beyond the country negotiations, the TFCAs summit offers a chance for the regional block to try to draw attention or funding and attract support to their cause. Side events will see various stakeholders rubbing shoulders with Heads of Government and States, Government officials, lobbyists, multilateral funding partners and banking and finance heavyweights.
Key takeaway and messaging:
“As we gather today, we do so with a shared vision: to foster integrated and effective management of our transboundary landscapes and seascapes, ensuring that they thrive for generations to come. This conference presents an opportunity to discuss critical areas that are essential to the success of TFCAs in our region. Our TFCAs will serve no purpose if they do not prioritise the well-being and livelihoods of local communities.
“Therefore, I call upon the SADC Member States to create a robust framework that supports both ecological and human prosperity. This can be achieved by strengthening governance, fostering multi-sector partnerships, and advancing regional integration,” said Ambassador Tadeus Chifamba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
