Government officials and conservation leaders from across Southern Africa are gathering in Harare this week to discuss strategies for advancing transboundary biodiversity conservation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The SADC region is home to 13 transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs), including the world’s largest—the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) TFCA—which spans Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Over the past 25 years, the area covered by TFCAs in the region has surged from approximately 35,000 square kilometers in 1999 to over 914,000 square kilometers in 2024. KAZA alone accounts for nearly 60% of this expanse, covering around 520,000 square kilometers.
Economic Benefits and Growing Challenges
The expansion of protected areas has boosted economic opportunities for local communities, particularly through wildlife-based tourism and sustainable resource use. In 2019, the wildlife economy—encompassing flora and fauna—was valued at an impressive $1.5 billion, supporting livelihoods and generating critical tourism revenue.
However, rapid conservation gains have also brought challenges. Rising human populations and expanding wildlife habitats have led to increased human-wildlife conflicts. “As human numbers grow and biodiversity recovers due to conservation efforts, conflicts are escalating,” noted one official.
Climate change is exacerbating these pressures, drying up rivers, altering wildlife migration patterns, and intensifying competition for resources. Additionally, infrastructure development, including mining and land-use changes, threatens to fragment vital wildlife corridors.
Funding and Long-Term Sustainability
Uncertain funding and insufficient community benefits further jeopardize the long-term success of transboundary conservation efforts. With sub-Saharan Africa’s population projected to nearly double by 2050, pressure on land and resources will only intensify.
“Large-scale conservation efforts are imperative to ensure healthy, sustainable ecosystems,” emphasized a representative at the meeting. “These ecosystems are crucial in the fight against climate change.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
TFCAs are protected areas that cross national borders, fostering cooperation between countries. This week’s meeting seeks to enhance natural resource management and regional collaboration, ensuring a sustainable future for both wildlife and people in Southern Africa.
As discussions continue, leaders are working to balance conservation, economic development, and climate resilience in one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions.
