Zimbabwe Assumes KAZA TFCA Chairmanship from Zambia
The Republic of Zambia has officially handed over the Coordinating Chairmanship of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) to the Republic of Zimbabwe during the 15th KAZA TFCA Ministerial Committee Meeting, held in Livingstone.
KAZA TFCA, the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area, spans Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and remains a flagship of regional collaboration in conservation and sustainable development.
Outgoing Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee, Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, MP, reaffirmed the country’s steadfast commitment to the initiative. He stressed that Zambia would continue to support KAZA programmes and foster regional cooperation in both conservation and tourism.
“I am confident that Zimbabwe’s leadership will build upon the strong foundation laid during Zambia’s tenure, advancing KAZA’s vision for sustainable development,” Mr Sikumba said.
Accepting the Chairmanship, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu, praised Zambia’s stewardship over the past two years. She pledged Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening KAZA’s role in regional stability, sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation, which she described as critical to socio-economic growth.
The meeting also endorsed a communiqué presented by Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Honourable Indileni Daniel. Among the key strategic decisions was the adoption of an updated Elephant Action Plan, reflecting findings from the landmark 2022 KAZA Elephant Survey. Other measures focused on bolstering transboundary collaboration in conservation and sustainable resource management.
Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism expressed pride in its contribution to KAZA TFCA and reaffirmed the nation’s readiness to work closely with partner states in safeguarding the region’s shared natural heritage for present and future generations.
