Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
SADC Chairman President Mnangagwa is expected to lead the regional bloc’s Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference and Summit of Heads of State and Government set for Monday next week in Harare.
This comes as the region looks to strengthen political commitment to preserving Southern Africa’s rich biodiversity.
In a joint statement yesterday, the Government and the SADC Secretariat said the TFCA initiatives were not only crucial for Zimbabwe, but the region at large as they protect ecosystems and wildlife while driving economic growth, fostering regional cooperation and benefiting local communities.
The summit will be held under the theme, “Transfrontier Conservation Areas – 25 years of cooperation for regional integration and sustainable development”.
“The Republic of Zimbabwe will host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference and Summit of Heads of State and Government, from May 19 to 23, 2025, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC),” reads the statement.
“TFCAs are collaborative conservation efforts that span across national borders, designed to promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of resources, and eco-tourism.
“These initiatives hold significant importance for Zimbabwe and 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.”
The summit is set to bring together delegates from across the region, including Heads of State and Government, traditional leaders, conservation partners, international organisations’ representatives and experts from relevant sectors.
Government and SADC said the gathering’s objectives are to strengthen political commitment to the TFCA Programme, promote investments in TFCAs, and enhance cross-sectoral integration for sustainable development.
The Joint Action NaturAfrica/Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management in the SADC (C-NRM) Programme, co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is supporting the SADC TFCA International Conference and Summit and will actively participate in key sessions.
Added the statement: “For many years, 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.
“As part of the conference programme, the Joint Action will host a session focused on Tourism Development in TFCAs and SADC, as well as one on Disaster Risk Reduction.”
Expected outcomes from the summit include 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.
In addition, there will be a review of ongoing efforts to implement the SADC TFCA model of cooperation, reinforcing partnerships among SADC member States.
President Mnangagwa is on record rallying the region to upscale efforts towards the preservation of the region’s biodiversity.
“Zimbabwe and the Southern Africa region in general, are resource-rich with reserves of lithium, platinum group metals, graphite and copper among others minerals.
“These align closely with Zimbabwe’s national vision and development priorities, which seek to realise a prosperous and inclusive society leaving no one and no place behind,” said the President while addressing a COP29 High-Level Round-table in Azerbaijan last November.
