SADC TFCA Summit 2025: Day 1 — Forging a Regional Vision for Transboundary Conservation ​

Harare, Zimbabwe – The air in Harare buzzed with anticipation on May 19, 2025, as the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference and Summit of Heads of State and Government officially kicked off at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). Under the profound theme, “SADC TFCAs: 25 Years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development,” the summit began its mission to chart the future of transboundary conservation in Southern Africa.

Opening Ceremony: A Look Back and a Leap Forward

The morning commenced with an insightful opening session, setting a reflective yet forward-looking tone. Dignitaries from across the globe graced the podium, sharing their perspectives on the journey of TFCAs. We heard from the Permanent Secretary of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, whose words underscored the host nation’s commitment to this vital cause.

Representatives from the Federal Republic of Germany, European Union, World Wildlife Fund, and Peace Parks Foundation also offered their valuable insights, highlighting the critical role of international partnerships in fostering conservation success. The SADC Secretariat delivered a compelling keynote address, weaving together the historical threads of TFCA development.

Speakers consistently harked back to the pioneering establishment of the Kgalagadi TFCA between Botswana and South Africa, a testament to the region’s long-standing dedication to shared natural heritage. The overarching message was clear: stronger regional cooperation, deeper community engagement, and a more equitable distribution of conservation benefits are not just aspirations, but necessities. TFCAs, they emphasized, are far more than just protected areas; they are vibrant corridors for culture, connectivity, and economic growth.

A beacon of hope for enhanced governance and capacity building was highlighted with the mention of the Joint NaturAfrica/Climate Natural Resource Management Project, launched in 2024. This initiative promises to further empower both TFCA and regional level efforts, ensuring sustainable practices for years to come.

A Digital Unveiling: Celebrating 25 Years of TFCA Legacy

Adding to the day’s milestones, the conference proudly announced the official launch of the SADC TFCA Website – a digital hub designed to connect, inform, and inspire. This launch was accompanied by the moving screening of a documentary video, beautifully capturing the 25-year legacy of TFCAs across the SADC region, a visual journey that resonated deeply with attendees.

Thematic Sessions: Unpacking the Pillars of Conservation

The afternoon was dedicated to a series of thematic sessions, each delving into a crucial aspect of transboundary conservation. The discussions were rich, the insights profound, and the collective commitment palpable.

1. TFCAs and Rural Livelihoods: This session brought to light the tangible benefits TFCAs offer to local communities, from employment opportunities in eco-tourism to innovative alternative livelihoods like beekeeping and climate-smart technologies. However, the dialogue was equally honest about the challenges – human-wildlife conflict, limited community involvement, persistent funding gaps, and policy inconsistencies. The resounding call was for robust legal frameworks, genuine community empowerment, and the harmonization of cross-border policies to ensure that conservation truly uplifts rural populations.
2. Transboundary Biodiversity Management: Here, the focus shifted to the intricate dance of shared natural resources and the critical importance of genetic connectivity for species. The session underscored the urgent need for joint monitoring initiatives, unwavering political will, and data-driven decision-making. Science and research emerged as indispensable tools, illuminating the path for effective conservation planning.
3. Marine Transboundary Conservation: A vital, yet often overlooked, aspect of conservation took center stage. Marine ecosystems were rightly identified as cornerstones of food security, biodiversity, and the burgeoning blue economy. The complexities of establishing marine TFCAs were explored, emphasizing the need for joint operational plans, legal harmonization, and, crucially, adequate budgeting. Calls for inclusive governance and robust local community ownership in marine conservation efforts echoed through the hall.
4. Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching (LEAP Strategy): The progress made in combating wildlife crime was a source of collective pride. Speakers highlighted the significant strides achieved through cross-border patrols, seamless information-sharing, and multi-agency collaboration. Member states were commended for their unwavering efforts in reducing poaching incidents and increasing prosecution success. Looking ahead, the focus remains on integrating these efforts into national budgets, further empowering communities, and strengthening anti-corruption measures to bolster wildlife law enforcement.

A Shared Commitment: Moving Forward, Together

As the first day drew to a close, a powerful and unified message resonated throughout the HICC: “Let us move forward together, and let us protect our shared natural heritage—together.” This sentiment, articulated with such conviction, set a powerful tone for the remainder of the summit.

The SADC TFCA Summit 2025 has truly begun to shape the future of transboundary conservation in the SADC region. We eagerly anticipate the insights and resolutions that the coming days will bring, knowing that the journey towards a more integrated and sustainably developed Southern Africa has taken a significant leap forward.