SADC to Host Landmark Transfrontier Conservation Areas International Summit in Zimbabwe
The Republic of Zimbabwe will host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) International Conference and Summit of Heads of State and Government from 19 to 23 May 2025.
The high-level event will take place at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) under the theme: “Transfrontier Conservation Areas – 25 Years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development.”
Transfrontier Conservation Areas are cross-border conservation initiatives aimed at promoting biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, enhancing eco-tourism, and encouraging the sustainable use of shared natural resources.
These conservation areas are vital to the socio-economic development of SADC Member States, including Zimbabwe, as they contribute to regional integration, economic growth, and the empowerment of local communities.
The upcoming summit will draw delegates from across the region, including current and former Heads of State and Government, traditional leaders, international conservation partners, representatives of development organisations, and sectoral experts.
The event will serve as a platform to renew political commitment to the TFCA Programme, encourage investment in conservation efforts, and promote cross-sectoral collaboration for sustainable development.
A key highlight of the summit will be the unveiling of an action plan to guide the implementation of the SADC TFCA Programme for the period 2023–2033. Additional outcomes include the signing of Joint Management Frameworks, new binding agreements to establish more TFCAs, and financing agreements between SADC governments and international cooperating partners. A comprehensive review of the TFCA model will also be conducted to assess progress and strengthen partnerships among Member States.
The summit is being organised with support from the European Union (EU) and the Federal Republic of Germany—two of SADC’s key institutional partners. Over the past 25 years, Germany has contributed more than €270 million to the TFCA initiative through mechanisms such as the SADC TFCA Financing Facility and the Legacy Landscape Fund. The EU, under its NaturAfrica Global Gateway flagship initiative, has recently committed €33 million to support conservation, governance, and community development within SADC TFCAs.
According to Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations at the SADC Secretariat, the summit represents a unique opportunity to deepen regional cooperation, boost nature-based economies, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Tinashe Farawo, Spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), noted that the summit will reaffirm the region’s dedication to environmental stewardship and rural development.
SADC’s commitment to preserving Southern Africa’s rich biodiversity is matched by the involvement of local communities, whose participation remains central to the success of transfrontier conservation. The summit will emphasise inclusive development and collaborative management as tools for achieving long-term ecological and socio-economic stability in the region.
