Overview
The SADC TFCA International Conference and Summit will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe on 19-23 May, 2025 to celebrate 25 years of Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) development since the first TFCA was created with Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The celebration will take place under the theme: SADC TRANSFRONTIER CONSERVATION AREAS: ‘’25 YEARS OF COOPERATION FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT’’
The event will highlight progress, strengthen political commitment, and promote investment in TFCAs. The weeklong series of events will start on the 19 May 2025 with a TFCA International Conference until the 20 May 2025. On Wednesday the 21 May 2025, there will be a Senior Official for Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism on TFCA and the Joint Ministers meeting responsible for Environment Natural Resources and Tourism on Thursday, the 22 May 2025 there will be a SADC Council of Minister meeting on TFCA and the Heads of State Summit on TFCAs will be held on the 23 May 2025.
The Conference and Summit will be hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe, organised under the guidance of the SADC Secretariat and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and others.
SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas
13 TFCAs currently exist in SADC, covering 1.2 million km² or 7% of the land area, supporting regional biodiversity conservation, regional integration, peace-making, long term freshwater security and socio-economic development.
The SADC TFCA Programme 2023–2033 adopted by SADC Ministers responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism in 2023, focuses on:
- Governance and legal frameworks
- Biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable financing
- Community empowerment
- Knowledge management & capacity building
The programme integrates blue and green economies, aligns with global goals (UN SDGs, AU Agenda 2063, CBD), and emphasizes climate resilience.
Key Achievements of SADC TFCAs since 2000
- 15,000+ animals translocated across TFCAs.
- Joint law enforcement operations improving security.
- Community engagement in governance.
- Tourist access facilities opened (e.g., Kgalagadi, Great Limpopo).
- KAZA UniVisa launched for easier travel in the region.
- SADC TFCA Network established with 600+ members.
- Boundless Southern Africa brand promoting TFCAs as tourism and investment destinations.
SADC TFCAs have successfully promoted regional conservation, socio-economic development, and peacebuilding. However, further investment, collaboration, and expansion are needed to maximize their potential for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and rural economic growth.
The upcoming 25th Anniversary TFCA International Conference and Summit aims to secure stronger political and financial commitments to sustain and enhance these achievements.
For more information or if you wish to support the Conference and Summit, please contact the following:
Ndapanda Kanime – SADC Secretariat on nkanime@sadc.int
Nothando Moyo – Zimbabwe TFCA Coordinator on nrmoyo@zimparks.org.zw
Steve Collins – SADC TFCA Network Coordinator on steve.collins@gopa-afc.de
