adminTanaka Mahanya
Zimbabwe and Zambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to implementing the SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement of 1999 by jointly utilising natural resources at their border.
The Lower Zambezi Mana Pools Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (LOZAMAP TFCA) agreement aims to offer new opportunities for sustainable development programmes and open up opportunities for local communities to realise meaningful benefits.
Zambia and Zimbabwe are already partnering on several existing initiatives, including the Kavango Zambezi and Zimbabwe Mozambique Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Areas, joint energy programme on the Zambezi River and conservation of shared Water Resources on Lake Kariba.
Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Mangaliso Ndlovu, said the latest initiative is not a new line of business, but constitutes the opening of new opportunities for the two governments, local communities and stakeholders to build tempo on sustainable development programmes.
“This will ensure that all the participating players and stakeholders are strategically positioned for equitable sharing of tangible benefits,” he said.
He said the LOZAMAP TFCA programme provides huge opportunities and ample space for the implementation of provisions of the SADC treaty with focus on cooperation and integration.
“The LOZAMAP TFCA is not a new area of cooperation as such, but just an opportunity to scale up our collaboration which has been on-going and bring on board more beneficiaries as more local communities become more actively involved as owners of and role players in projects.
“The initiative adds new items to our toolbox as we strive to attain the goals and objectives of Agenda 63 and Vision 2030,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter