SADC and EAC Strengthen Collaboration on Transboundary Wildlife Conservation
On July 8, 2024, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) hosted a delegation from the East African Community (EAC) at its headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana.
The meeting aimed to discuss mutual interests in conservation strategies, with a specific focus on transboundary wildlife conservation to enhance biodiversity and socio-economic development in both regions.
The primary objective of the meeting was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and information among the Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) working groups. This exchange is expected to guide the development of coordinated policies, strategies, and actions for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wildlife and other tourist activities.
Additionally, discussions were held on improving collaborative efforts through law enforcement initiatives to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade across transboundary ecosystems, with a focus on 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 strong relationship between SADC and EAC.
She emphasized the importance of collaborative management of natural and cultural resources and highlighted the critical role of TFCAs in the region. Ms. Makombo N’tumba underscored that involving SADC Member States in sustainable ecosystem and cultural resource management is crucial for the long-term viability and diversity of resources, generating socio-economic benefits and securing livelihoods for citizens.
Ms. Makombo N’tumba also highlighted the significance of natural resources and the environment as outlined in the SADC Treaty.
She pointed out the Kavango–Zambezi (KAZA) TFCA as one of the largest nature and landscape conservation areas globally, spanning the international borders of five Southern African countries. The KAZA TFCA is essential for promoting the conservation of shared wildlife resources.
In line with the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030, Ms. Makombo N’tumba reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to developing functional and integrated transfrontier conservation networks. The goal is to leverage shared natural resources for socio-economic development, benefiting communities within and around TFCAs.
Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, Director of Productive Sectors for EAC, praised 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 transboundary conservation. The parties agreed to continue their collaboration by sharing insights, experiences, and information regarding policy and legal frameworks. This ongoing partnership aims to strengthen conservation efforts and promote sustainable development in both regions.
Source: SADC
