Derick Tsimba
Zimbabwe has hosted the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) Ministerial meeting in Vic Falls.
In attendance were Ministers from KAZA TFCA countries Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Angola and Namibia. The KAZA TFCA region meeting was an opportunity for the countries to discuss conservation and tourism industry progress.
Speaking yesterday at the KAZA TFCA meeting, Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Priscah Mupfumira said a clarion call had been made to ensure that communities benefit from the rich wildlife within their region.
“This meeting gives us an opportunity to discuss, agree on the way forward and to provide policy guidance on the matters relating to KAZA TFCA. I believe the main goal of KAZA TFCA which is to collaborate in conservation of our natural resources and promote tourism whilst boosting the social economic environment for our local communities,” said Minister Mupfumira.
The incoming Chairman of the KAZA TFCA and Botswana Minister of Environment, Natural Resource Conservation and Tourism, Onkokame Kitso Mokaila said KAZA’s objective was to improve the livelihoods of people.
“There is a lot of work that needs to be done as Botswana was lagging behind in participation in KAZA. The whole objective of KAZA is to improve the livelihoods of our people ensuring that natural resources conservation is at its most ideal. One key thing I have put as my priority is also bringing Angola into the fold, having a meeting with the Minster to make sure we clear up any issues that may be giving Angola sleepless nights about the agreement itself. Angola is a key player in KAZA because they have land to extend the range of wildlife. We are excited about the uni visas business, the time when all our tourists can travel all our five countries without hindrances will be a plus to our tourism,” said the KAZA TFCA Chairman.
Harare Post has learnt that Zimbabwe has become a member of the KAZA TFCA in order to alleviate the lives of people and tourism activities in the Zambezi basin. Conservation of natural resources increases tourism participation and boosts the social economic environment of Zimbabwean communities.
