|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) Framework under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) complements regional strategies in eco-tourism, climate resilience, and rural development, and contributes meaningfully to national goals of equity and shared prosperity.
This came to the fore in opening remarks by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers, Hon. Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira during the inaugural Sadc Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Conference and Summit of the Council of Ministers meeting held yesterday 22 May 2025 in Harare.
“We are honoured to host this Summit, a reflection of our steadfast commitment to the regional agenda for sustainable development and environmental cooperation. It also underscores our alignment with Zimbabwe’s national aspirations articulated in Vision 2030, in which we seek to attain Upper-Middle-Income status through a diversified and resilient economy, underpinned by innovation, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment.
“The Transfrontier Conservation Areas Framework complements our strategies in eco-tourism, climate resilience, and rural development, and contributes meaningfully to our national goals of equity and shared prosperity,” Hon Murwira said.
Zimbabwe is hosting the historic inaugural SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Conference and Summit. This milestone event is being held under the theme: “SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas– 25 Years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development.”
The hosting of the Summit is a reflection of the steadfast commitment to the regional agenda for sustainable development and environmental cooperation. It also underscores alignment with Zimbabwe’s national aspirations articulated in Vision 2030, in which the country seeks to attain Upper-Middle-Income status through a diversified and resilient economy, underpinned by innovation, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment.
The Minister added that there is a need to prioritize the harmonization of policies and regulatory frameworks across SADC Member States, streamline transboundary cooperation, and promote regional research and education that supports evidence-based decision-making.
The SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias Magosi highlighted that the SADC TFCAs stand as a true success story, embodying SADC’s shared commitment to the sustainable conservation of its rich natural cherished endowments.
He said: “From covering 35,500 square kilometres in 1999 to over One Million square kilometres today, TFCAs have formed one of the largest conservation areas on the African continent and the world at large, with KAZA TFCA alone covering around 520,000 square kilometres. This extensive network reflects the profound impact of regional collaboration; it demonstrates the power of integrated management in preserving shared natural resources, effective collaboration of Member States as well as a shared aspiration of prosperity”.
The SADC TFCA Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for 23rd May will be opened and chaired by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, in his capacity as the Chairperson of SADC.
