Wallace Ruzvidzo
The SADC bloc must increase its momentum towards developing an integrated, modern, industrialised and prosperous region, the regional body’s Chairman President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the closing session of the just-ended SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) Summit, the President highlighted that homegrown solutions were the way towards the region’s continued prosperity, particularly in TFCAs.
“We have shared knowledge, reviewed our collective progress, identified the challenges faced and reflected on the journey of our TFCA Programme,” he said.
“For the past 25 years, this initiative has stood as a testament of our unity, solidarity, resilience and commitment to sustainable development.”
President Mnangagwa said it was heartening to note that the regional bloc’s vision was not only alive, but thriving.
The Summit of Heads of State was held under the theme, “Transfrontier Conservation Areas-25 years of cooperation for regional integration and sustainable development,” and among those in attendance were President Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Prime Minister Russel Dlamini (Eswatini), Prime Minister Sam Matekane (Lesotho), Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare (Namibia), President Hussein Mwinyi (Zanzibar) and SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi.
“This Summit was a celebration of what has been achieved and a bold statement of what we still must accomplish,” said the SADC Chairman.
“It has reaffirmed the critical role of Transfrontier Conservation Areas as powerful instruments for regional integration, resilience, inclusive growth, and peace-building.
“We have come to better appreciate the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation, policy harmonisation, and fostering a culture of shared ownership for the conservation of our rich heritage and natural resource endowments.”
He emphasised the need for the region to place communities at the heart of all developmental efforts, particularly TFCAs.
The SADC region has successfully established 13 TFCAs; Lubombo TFCA comprising Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa), Ponta de Ouro-Ismangaliso TFCA, Maloti-Drankesberg between Lesotho and South Africa, Chimanimani TFCA between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, Great Limpopo TFCA covering Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, Ai/Ais-Richtersveld TFCA between Namibia and South Africa, Greater Mapungubwe TFCA between South Africa and Zimbabwe, KAZA covering Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Malawi-Zambia TFCA between Malawi and Zambia, Niassa-Selous TFCA between Mozambique and the United Republic of Tanzania, Iona-Skeleton Coast between Angola and Namibia, Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and ZIMOZA TFCA covering Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“From its humble beginnings with the establishment of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, to the broad network of transboundary ecosystems which we now celebrate, this Summit has demonstrated that our shared vision is not only alive, but thriving,” said the President.
“Our strategies must continue to place communities at the centre of every initiative, not only as stakeholders, but as co-creators and primary beneficiaries. When we empower local communities, we capacitate the very ecosystems, which we seek to protect.
“Our people should reap and enjoy the benefits of the on-going conservation efforts.”
He said the Summit of Heads of State had served as a catalyst for a renewed era of action, guided by the TFCA Programme 2023-2030.
“Let us carry forward the momentum built here, towards developing an integrated, modern, industrialised and prosperous SADC we all want. Let us provide transformational leadership that is grounded in the lived realities of our peoples. This is more so as we will be celebrating Africa Day in two days’ time.”
The SADC Chair then commended the region for its concerted efforts towards the sustainability of TFCAs.
“I wish to express my deep appreciation to you, Your Excellencies and our distinguished participants. Your unwavering dedication, active contributions and spirit of collaboration, have defined and give renewed impetus to this landmark gathering,” he said.
“The Summit has also amplified the importance of strengthening the SADC Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching Strategy. As such, cross-border cooperation should continue to deliver tangible results in the protection of our wildlife heritage.”
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