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Transfrontier Conservation Areas
There are over 220 Transboundary / Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) globally, with 14 located in Southern Africa. These 14 SADC approved TFCAs cover over 1 million square kilometers which is 7% of SADC land in 11 of SADC's 16 countries. The main objective is to reconnect natural landscapes that cross country borders, to improve conservation and sustainable rural development.
About one-third of the world’s richest land-based biodiversity areas are found along international borders.
The TFCA Network
The SADC TFCA Network is a community of practice that brings together professionals working in Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) across a wide range of sectors contributing to SADC's regional sustainable rural development programme.
Recognising the shared challenges faced by TFCAs and aligned with the SADC TFCA vision, the Network was established on 25–26 September 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa, by TFCA coordinators, representatives from international NGOs, and practitioners from ten SADC Member States.
The Network aims to address several key common challenges, including:
- Strengthening governance through improved policies, legislation, and institutional frameworks
- Developing sustainable financing mechanisms for TFCAs
- Demonstrating the value of TFCAs at local, national, and regional levels—for example, by enhancing community benefits and supporting capacity development.
Become a member of the TFCA Network and join a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. Click here to join now!
Upcoming events
KAZA Structure meetings
18 - 22 August 2025
TBD
More
TFCA Webinar: Disaster Risk Reduction in TFCAs - KAZA TFCA Experience
23 September 2025
Zoom
More
The IUCN World Conservation Congress
09 - 15 October 2025
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
More
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Click here to add your events to the TFCA calendar.List your job for free
Add your job listing to the TFCA website and reach a community of professionals in your field.Recently added to the Repository
Lower Zambezi Mana Pools TFCA Description and Map
Governance
Map
This is the agreed description and map of the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools TFCA as attached to the signed MOU
More
Climate change & human-wildlife conflict an analysis of climate crowd data
Climate Change
Research
As we experience intensifying environmental changes and resource scarcity, humans and
wildlife are altering their behaviors, leading to increased competition for food and water and
escalating human-wildlife conflict. The findings of this report highlight the
interconnectedness of human and...
More
SADC TFCA International Conference and Heads of State Summit May 2025 report
Meeting Report
Meeting Report
The first ever SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) Conference and Summit, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from May 19-23, 2025, celebrated 25 years of regional cooperation under the theme "SADC TFCAs: 25 Years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development,"...
More
Visit a TransFrontier Park today
If you're interested in visiting one of the Transfrontier Parks, here are some great links to help you on your journey:
TOURISM in TFCAs 
KAZA Tourism
News
Meet the New SADC TFCA Advisor: Colum Zhuwau
Rorly Sherwen / 4 August 2025
Mr. Colum Zhuwao has joined IUCN ESARO, and seconded as the SADC TFCA Advisor to the SADC Secretariat based in Gaborone, Botswana.
He is a seasoned Ecologist with over 15 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, policy development, and project implementation at both national and regional levels. He began his career in 2005 with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), where he served in several strategic roles including National Rhino Coordinator, CITES-MIKE Focal Point, and Coordinator of the...
Zambia and Angola Seal Historic Conservation Pact to Establish Liuwa Plains–Mussuma Transfrontier Conservation Area
Rorly Sherwen / 4 August 2025
In a landmark move for conservation and regional cooperation, the governments of Zambia and Angola signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28 May 2025to pave the way for the establishment of the Liuwa Plains–Mussuma Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA)
The high-profile signing ceremony took place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, drawing senior government officials, diplomats, conservation leaders, and media representatives. The agreement marks a major step in creating a transboundary protected landscape spanning approximately 14,464 km² across the...
Maputo National Park Joins the World Stage as Mozambique’s First Natural World Heritage Site
Rorly Sherwen / 4 August 2025
UNESCO has officially inscribed Maputo National Park as a World Heritage Site, marking a significant achievement for Mozambique and a major step forward for biodiversity protection on the African continent.
“This is a proud and historic moment for Mozambique,” said the Secretary of State for Land and Environment, Gustavo Dgedge. “To be recognised by UNESCO is a powerful endorsement of the work being done here. It honours the dedication of our government, communities, and partners to restore this unique landscape.”
Maputo National...
More news
Want to see your news here?
Click here to add your news to the TFCA website.
Visit a TransFrontier Park today
If you're interested in visiting one of the Transfrontier Parks, here are some great links to help you on your journey:
TOURISM in TFCAs
KAZA Tourism
The TFCA Network
The SADC TFCA Network is a community of practice that brings together professionals working in Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) across a wide range of sectors contributing to SADC's regional sustainable rural development programme.
Recognising the shared challenges faced by TFCAs and aligned with the SADC TFCA vision, the Network was established on 25–26 September 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa, by TFCA coordinators, representatives from international NGOs, and practitioners from ten SADC Member States.
The Network aims to address several key common challenges, including:
- Strengthening governance through improved policies, legislation, and institutional frameworks
- Developing sustainable financing mechanisms for TFCAs
- Demonstrating the value of TFCAs at local, national, and regional levels—for example, by enhancing community benefits and supporting capacity development.
Become a member of the TFCA Network and join a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. Click here to join now!
News
Meet the New SADC TFCA Advisor: Colum Zhuwau
Rorly Sherwen / 4 August 2025
Mr. Colum Zhuwao has joined IUCN ESARO, and seconded as the SADC TFCA Advisor to the SADC Secretariat based in Gaborone, Botswana.
He is a seasoned Ecologist with over 15 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, policy development, and project implementation at both national and regional levels. He began his career in 2005 with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), where he served in several strategic roles including National Rhino Coordinator, CITES-MIKE Focal Point, and Coordinator of the...
Zambia and Angola Seal Historic Conservation Pact to Establish Liuwa Plains–Mussuma Transfrontier Conservation Area
Rorly Sherwen / 4 August 2025
In a landmark move for conservation and regional cooperation, the governments of Zambia and Angola signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28 May 2025to pave the way for the establishment of the Liuwa Plains–Mussuma Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA)
The high-profile signing ceremony took place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, drawing senior government officials, diplomats, conservation leaders, and media representatives. The agreement marks a major step in creating a transboundary protected landscape spanning approximately 14,464 km² across the...
Maputo National Park Joins the World Stage as Mozambique’s First Natural World Heritage Site
Rorly Sherwen / 4 August 2025
UNESCO has officially inscribed Maputo National Park as a World Heritage Site, marking a significant achievement for Mozambique and a major step forward for biodiversity protection on the African continent.
“This is a proud and historic moment for Mozambique,” said the Secretary of State for Land and Environment, Gustavo Dgedge. “To be recognised by UNESCO is a powerful endorsement of the work being done here. It honours the dedication of our government, communities, and partners to restore this unique landscape.”
Maputo National...
More news
Upcoming events
KAZA Structure meetings
18 - 22 August 2025
TBD
More
TFCA Webinar: Disaster Risk Reduction in TFCAs - KAZA TFCA Experience
23 September 2025
Zoom
More
The IUCN World Conservation Congress
09 - 15 October 2025
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
More
Recently added to the Repository
Lower Zambezi Mana Pools TFCA Description and Map
Governance
Map
This is the agreed description and map of the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools TFCA as attached to the signed MOU
More
Climate change & human-wildlife conflict an analysis of climate crowd data
Climate Change
Research
As we experience intensifying environmental changes and resource scarcity, humans and
wildlife are altering their behaviors, leading to increased competition for food and water and
escalating human-wildlife conflict. The findings of this report highlight the
interconnectedness of human and...
More
SADC TFCA International Conference and Heads of State Summit May 2025 report
Meeting Report
Meeting Report
The first ever SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) Conference and Summit, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from May 19-23, 2025, celebrated 25 years of regional cooperation under the theme "SADC TFCAs: 25 Years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development,"...
More
