This week, Kasane, Botswana, proudly welcomed 100 participants and additional virtual attendees from across the SADC region to the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) Network Annual Meeting, held from the 19-21 November2024. With its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, Kasane, at the heart of the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) TFCA, served as the perfect backdrop for this gathering, which brings together conservation practitioners, policymakers, community representatives, and development partners to advance cross-border conservation efforts in Southern Africa. 

Highlights of the Event  

 On November 18th, participants were warmly received at a welcome reception hosted by the Government of Botswana through the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. This gathering not only set the tone for the week but also celebrated Botswana’s commitment to regional integration in conservation.  

Day 1: Official Opening and Field Excursion  

The meeting officially opened on November 19th, placing an emphasis on the global challenges that need to be overcome, while being in the midst of the worst drought in 40 years.  A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KAZA and the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) – a pivotal step toward harmonising sustainable water and natural resource management in the sub-region.  

The day concluded with a spotlight on community projects within the KAZA TFCA, including a field excursion to the Chobe Enclave, offering participants a first-hand look at how local communities coexist with wildlife in an important conservation corridor, and the bold steps that are being made towards improved management of their rangelands.  

Day 2: Communities of Practice and Movie Night 

November 20th was dedicated to focused parallel discussions on critical aspects pertaining to TFCA management, such as Human-Wildlife Coexistence, sustainable financing and climate change. These interactive sessions provided a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and the building of Communities of Practices (CoPs). 

Day 3: Interactive Panel Discussions  

The final day of the meeting centered around dynamic panel discussions on pressing topics within the TFCA network and the SADC TFCA Conference and Summit to be held in Zimbabwe next year. These sessions aimed to generate actionable insights and strengthen the bonds between stakeholders.  

This year’s Annual Meeting not only celebrated the successes of TFCAs but also reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges. By empowering communities, fostering partnerships, and enhancing knowledge exchange, the SADC TFCA Network continues to set a strong foundation for sustainable development and conservation in Southern Africa.  

The meeting was supported by the Government of Botswana, the German Development Cooperation, European Union (EU), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), National Geographic and the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). We thank all the participants, hosts, and partners who made this event a success. Together, we are shaping a resilient and thriving future for our shared landscapes and seascapes. 

The presentations made and joint statement by KAZA and ZAMCOM can be accessed as PDFs below.