Source: Zim, Zambia strengthen transfrontier conservation ties – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE and Zambia have strengthened bilateral cooperation in wildlife conservation and tourism development after convening the inaugural Lower Zambezi–Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area Ministerial Committee meeting.
The landmark meeting held in Harare on Thursday brought together ministers, senior Government officials and conservation experts from the two neighbouring countries to review progress made since the establishment of the transboundary conservation initiative and to chart the way forward.
Speaking at the meeting, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said the gathering came at a critical time when the two countries needed to collectively address cross-border environmental challenges.
“This meeting is convened at a time when we need to collectively address key challenges that do not know any boundaries whilst harnessing opportunities that come with us working together,” she said.
Minister Ndlovu said the LOZAMAP TFCA was a major milestone in fulfilling obligations under the SADC Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025-2035) and the African union Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030).
She said the initiative was also central to Zimbabwe’s biodiversity economy agenda under the National Development Strategy 2 and the country’s broader vision of attaining upper middle-income status by 2030.
“The implementation of the LOZAMAP TFCA Programme is integral to Zimbabwe’s broader national aspiration of attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030,” said Minister Ndlovu.
She said the programme will contribute significantly to the sustainable management of natural resources, tourism development and the protection of migratory wildlife species.
Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Mr Rodney Sikumba, said the meeting marked a historic milestone in the long-standing relations between the two countries.
“The establishment of the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area is of immense importance,” he said.
“It represents not only a shared commitment to the integrated and effective management of our transboundary landscapes and seascapes, but also a vision for improved well-being and livelihoods of our local communities.”
Minister Sikumba said the initiative would focus on joint planning, coordinated wildlife management strategies and strengthening livelihoods for communities living around the protected areas.
He said the two countries had an opportunity to demonstrate that conservation was not only about protecting wildlife but also about fostering sustainable development and empowering communities.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority director-general Professor Edson Gandiwa said the TFCA covered more than 17 000 square kilometres and was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023.
He said the shared landscape linked Mana Pools National Park and surrounding safari areas in Zimbabwe with Lower Zambezi National Park and adjacent management areas in Zambia.
Prof Gandiwa said notable progress had already been made, including the development of a draft land use plan for the 2025 to 2030 period, specialist working groups and strengthened joint anti-poaching patrols.
“We have a very consultative draft, involving the two partner states. This covers the period of 2025 to 2030,” he said.
Prof Gandiwa said science-driven conservation remained central to the initiative, with joint surveys for elephants and other wildlife species already undertaken.
“Conservation has to be informed by science,” he said.
Prof Gandiwa said future efforts would focus on joint wildlife surveys, resource mobilisation, tourism branding and community-driven development programmes.
The LOZAMAP TFCA is one of three transfrontier conservation initiatives jointly pursued by Zimbabwe and Zambia and is expected to enhance wildlife protection, tourism growth and community livelihoods across the shared ecosystem.
The post Zim, Zambia strengthen transfrontier conservation ties appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.