On October 20, 2016 Malawi and Zambia launched the GIZ-SADC support project to the Kasungu-Lukusuzi component of the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area in Chipata, Zambia. The project's aim is to reduce threats of unsustainable use of natural resources by strengthening management strategies for  promoting alternative livelihood options for the communities living in and around the TFCA. Priority will be the Lukusuzi National Park, the Kasungu National Park, Chikomene and Mwansempangwe communities, as well as the communities surrounding the Kasungu National Park within a five kilometer buffer zone.

Currently the conservation of the natural resource base of the TFCA component is threatened by high levels of human encroachment both in national parks and forest reserves, poaching of wildlife and unsustainable use and extraction of natural resources from the national parks as well as on communal land. The underlying factors include population growth, poverty, inadequate opportunities for income generation, and human wildlife conflicts and insufficient law enforcement operations across the landscape.

To address the above concerns the project seeks the participation of all stakeholders in the planning, implementation and development of the landscape, as well as targeting specific communities with alternative income generation activities. At park level, the project will focus on enhancing the capacity for joint law enforcement operations through the establishment of a transboundary radio communication system.

The project runs from September 01, 2016 to March 31, 2018. Partners have committed about two  million USD, of which EUR 900.000 is funded by the German Government through GIZ. The Departments of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) Zambia and Malawi in close collaboration with partners such as International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Peace Parks Foundation (PPF)  implemented the project jointly.

Dignitaries from both countries and partner organizations attended the launch.  They included the Permanent Secretary for Eastern Province, Zambia, the Director of Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Malawi, the District Commissioners for Kasungu and Lukusuzi District, Chieftainess Mwasempangwe and chief representatives of Chikomene. A multi-stakeholder planning meeting took place back-to-back with the launch and ended on October 21, 2016.