Zimbabwe will next week host a regional summit to reinforce political will and investment in an integrated approach to sustainable natural resource management across southern Africa.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference and Summit, scheduled for 19 to 23 May in Harare, is set to bring together key stakeholders to strengthen conservation efforts across southern Africa.
“This pivotal summit will bring together delegates from across the region, including heads of state and government from SADC member states, traditional leaders, conservation partners, international organisations representatives and experts from relevant sectors,” organisers said.
TFCAs are collaborative conservation efforts that span across national borders, designed to promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of resources and eco-tourism.
These initiatives hold significant importance for SADC member states covered by TFCAs as they not only safeguard vital ecosystems and wildlife but also contribute to economic growth, enhance regional cooperation and empower local communities.
The summit, themed “Transfrontier Conservation Areas – 25 Years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development,” will focus on the political, economic and environmental significance of TFCAs.
Expected outcomes from the summit include the development of an action plan to support the SADC TFCA Programme, new binding agreements for establishing additional TFCAs, the signing of joint management frameworks and sustainable financing agreements between SADC leaders and international cooperating partners.
The summit is supported by the NaturAfrica / Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management in SADC Programme, co-financed by the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
JN/APA