Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, with regional structure meetings now underway in Victoria Falls to strengthen cooperation on wildlife conservation, community development and tourism integration among the five member states.
The meetings, running from June 8 to 12, have brought together senior officials, ministers and conservation experts from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe to review progress on regional programmes and chart the way forward for the world’s largest transboundary conservation initiative.
As chair of the bloc, Zimbabwe is leading discussions focused on strengthening cross-border anti-poaching efforts, enhancing community benefits from sustainable natural resource utilisation and advancing tourism integration as a driver of regional economic growth.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) said hosting the meetings underscored the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable management of shared natural resources.
“Zimbabwe is proud to host this year’s Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) Structure Meetings, bringing together the Joint Management Committee, the Committee of Senior Officials and the Ministerial Committee — a clear demonstration of the five partner states’ collective commitment to regional cooperation, sustainable natural resource management and the advancement of transboundary conservation,” reads the statement.
Delegates are expected to review progress made in implementing resolutions adopted during the 2024 KAZA Summit held in Zambia, while also assessing challenges affecting programme implementation, financing and resource mobilisation.
“As part of the strategic discussions, participants will review the progress made in implementing directives from the KAZA Heads of State following the successful KAZA Summit held in Zambia in 2024. They will also discuss achievements and challenges related to project implementation, financial sustainability and fundraising efforts,” reads the statement.
A major focus of the meetings is strengthening coordinated regional efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and poaching through harmonised policies and enhanced cooperation among law enforcement agencies in member states.
Attention is also being directed towards expanding community-based conservation initiatives to ensure local communities derive greater benefits from sustainable natural resource utilisation, while promoting cross-border tourism to support inclusive economic growth.
KAZA TFCA, which brings together Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, spans approximately 520 000 square kilometres, making it the world’s largest terrestrial transfrontier conservation area.
The conservation landscape supports nearly half of Africa’s savanna elephant population and plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation, facilitating the free movement of wildlife across international boundaries and improving livelihoods for communities living within and around protected areas.
Outcomes of the Victoria Falls meetings are expected to guide future policy direction and strengthen long-term regional cooperation in conservation, tourism development and sustainable natural resource management across the five partner states.
