Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe will host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Conference and Summit from 18 to 21 May 2025 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), bringing together regional leaders, conservation experts, and international stakeholders to enhance cross-border conservation efforts.
The high-level summit aims to reinforce political commitment to the TFCA Programme, promote investment in conservation initiatives, and integrate sustainable development strategies across the region.
In a statement yesterday, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) highlighted the importance of TFCAs, which facilitate collaborative conservation efforts across national borders, ensuring biodiversity protection, sustainable resource use, and eco-tourism development.
“This pivotal summit will bring together delegates across the region, including current and former Heads of State from SADC Member States, traditional leaders, conservation partners, international representatives, and experts from various sectors,” said ZimParks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo.
The key objective of the summit will be to review and accelerate the implementation of the SADC TFCA Programme (2023-2033), which seeks to enhance cooperation among Member States in managing shared ecosystems.
“Through this summit, we aim to strengthen our collective commitment to preserving Southern Africa’s rich biodiversity and to creating a sustainable future for generations to come, especially for the people of Zimbabwe, who are essential to the success of these conservation efforts,” Farawo said.
Delegates are expected to develop an actionable plan to advance the TFCA Programme, establish new transfrontier conservation areas, and sign Joint Management Frameworks and sustainable financing agreements between SADC Heads of State and International Cooperating Partners.
The summit will also provide a platform to assess ongoing conservation efforts within the SADC TFCA model, reinforcing partnerships between Governments, private investors, and local communities.
Zimbabwe is currently involved in 6 out of the 18 TFCAs, which are at various stages of development within SADC, playing a key role in transboundary conservation initiatives.
These efforts contribute to economic growth, regional cooperation, and the empowerment of local communities who benefit from eco-tourism and sustainable resource management.
The summit will be held under the theme, “25 Years of Cooperation for Sustainable Conservation Through Regional Integration and Development”.
With growing environmental challenges and the need for sustainable development, the SADC TFCA Summit is expected to shape future policies that balance conservation with economic progress, ensuring that the region’s natural heritage remains protected for generations to come.
