The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) hosted a delegation from the East African Community (EAC) on 8th July 2024, at the SADC Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana. The purpose of the visit was to discuss areas of mutual interest in conservation strategies for the benefit of both regions, specifically focusing on transboundary wildlife conservation to enhance biodiversity conservation and development of socio-economic activities.
The main objective of the meeting was to share knowledge and information among the Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) working groups. This exchange aimed to guide the development of coordinated policies, strategies, and actions for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of wildlife and other tourist activities. The meeting also discussed ways to improve collaborative efforts through law enforcement initiatives to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade across the transboundary ecosystem, including sharing best practices and lessons learned.
During her address, Ms Angele Makombo N’tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between SADC and EAC. She emphasised the importance of collaborative management of natural and cultural resources, highlighting the role of Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in the region. Ms. Makombo N’tumba also emphasised that involving SADC Member States in sustainable ecosystem and cultural resource management is crucial for the long-term viability and diversity of resources. Noting that this approach would also generate socio-economic benefits and secure the livelihoods of citizens.
Ms. Makombo N’tumba underscored the significance of natural resources and the environment as encapsulated in the SADC Treaty. In particular, she highlighted the Kavango–Zambezi (KAZA) TFCA as one of the largest nature and landscape conservation areas in the world, spanning the international borders of five Southern African countries. The KAZA TFCA plays a critical role in promoting conservation of shared wildlife resources.
As outlined in the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary emphasised SADC's commitment to prioritise the development of functional and integrated transfrontier conservation networks. She said that the aim is to leverage shared natural resources for socio-economic development, benefiting communities residing within and around TFCAs.
Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, the Director of Productive Sectors for EAC, commended SADC for its achievements in enhancing socio-economic development in rural areas through the sustainable use of shared natural and cultural resources. He acknowledged that SADC's experiences provide valuable insights for EAC's efforts to establish world-class transfrontier conservation areas.
Both SADC and EAC share common characteristics and interests in terms of transboundary conservation. The parties agreed to continue their collaboration, sharing insights, experiences, and exchanging information regarding policy and legal frameworks.
