Dear Colleagues and TFCA Friends,

Welcome to the first SADC TFCA Network Newsletter of 2025! Which has inspiring stories of 2025 transboundary conservation work.

The first months of 2025 have brought unexpected challenges, but also new opportunities for innovation and resilience in our sector. The recent decision by the Trump administration to freeze all American international support, including USAID funding and contributions from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Forestry Service, has disrupted key conservation and rural development initiatives across SADC. Among the affected programs is the USAID Combatting Wildlife Crime initiative, launched in November, which had promised to be a vital tool in strengthening conservation law enforcement efforts. In response to the US decision, the TFCA Network swiftly organized a webinar to discuss the impacts of this funding freeze and, more importantly, to chart a way forward. You can view the discussion HERE . USAID has played a crucial role in strengthening initiatives related to LEAP, TFCAs and community-driven conservation models, making its withdrawal deeply felt. However, this shift also serves as a wake-up call, reinforcing the urgency of establishing sustainable, locally driven financial mechanisms that are not vulnerable to external political shifts.

One such promising financial mechanism is the TFCA Finance Facility, established through support from the German government via KfW and managed by IUCN. This facility played a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis through targeted grants. As part of their commitment to continuous improvement, the Facility has produced a knowledge brief outlining lessons learned from these grants and recommendations for enhancing the SADC TFCA FF grant management process. You can access this valuable resource HERE. In terms of future funding, the SADC TFCA FF Project Steering Committee approved 16 out 35 Concept Notes from the Second Call. The 16 applicants will be invited to the second stage of the application process.

Despite the US funding uncertainties, there is much to celebrate as you can read in this edition of the SADC TFCA Newsletter

Lastly, we have some truly exciting news:  The SADC Heads of State 25^th Anniversary of TFCAs Conference and Summit Is going to take place in Harare from 19^th to the 23^rd May 2025.

For over 25 years, SADC member states have worked together to advance transboundary conservation and tourism. It all began with the signing of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park agreement on 7 April 1999 by the Presidents of Botswana and South Africa. Since then, an additional 11 TFCAs have been established, collectively covering nearly 7% of SADC’s total land area. To celebrate this incredible achievement, SADC will host a 25th Anniversary Conference, Workshop, and Heads of State Summit. This week-long event, hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe, will provide an opportunity to reflect on our successes, address challenges, and present our progress to SADC Heads of State. A key outcome of the Summit will be a Summit Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of member states to strengthening and expanding the TFCA program. NGOs and ICPs can expect invitations with details before the end of March.

The road ahead is not without obstacles, but the resilience, creativity, and dedication of the TFCA community give us confidence in the future. Together, we will continue to drive conservation and sustainable development forward, ensuring that TFCAs remain a beacon of hope for people and nature across the region.

You can find all articles online at Home | SADC TFCA Portal

Let’s keep the momentum going!

Yours in sustainable rural development,

Steve Collins

SADC TFCA Network Coordinator