Staff Reporter

Government has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Zambia for the Development of the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area (LOZAMAP TCFA).

Presenting during the fifth Post Cabinet briefing, Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere informed the nation that the LOZAMAP TCFA MOU intended to promote alliances in the management of biological natural resources.

“More specifically, the MOU intends to: create a conducive environment for the development of the LOZAMAP TFCA; foster transnational collaboration and cooperation in ecosystem management through establishment, development and management of the LOZAMAP TFCA; promote alliances in the management of biological natural resources by encouraging social, economic and other partnerships among the stakeholders,” said Dr Muswere.

Dr Muswere advised that the MOU would enhance ecosystem integrity and natural ecological processes through harmonization of environmental management procedures and the removal of artificial barriers, thereby allowing the natural movement of wildlife without restrictions.   

He further informed that the MOU would also develop frameworks and strategies that will enable local communities to participate and derive tangible benefits from the sustainable utilization of natural resources, such as in the development of trans-boundary tourism as a means of fostering regional socio-economic development.

Meanwhile, the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area would cover Mana Pools National Park Hurungwe, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas, and the adjacent Communal, State and privately held land on the Zimbabwean side and the Lower Zambezi National Park, Chiawa and open areas within Siavonga and Chirundu Districts as well as State and private land in Zambia.

The TFCA Development Plan would be funded by the Global Environmental Facility 6 at a cost of US$170 000.