Kasane, Botswana, hosted an important regional integration event during the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) Network Annual Meeting on 19 November 2024. Representatives of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) and the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signalling a new era of regional cooperation for sustainable development and transboundary resource management in Southern Africa.

This historic signing witnessed by 100 regional TFCA stakeholders including member states, donors, NGOs and community leadership, underscores the importance of integrated approaches to managing shared natural resources, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing development pressures. The signing of the MoU was facilitated by the SADC Secretariat with support from the SADC/GIZ Transboundary Water Management (TWM) Programme and the Joint Action NaturAfrica / Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management (C-NRM) Programme.   

A Shared Vision for the KAZA Region

The KAZA TFCA, spanning five countries (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), is the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area. It is home to unparalleled biodiversity, including a substantial portion of the iconic African elephant population. Equally significant is the Zambezi River Basin, managed under ZAMCOM, which supports millions of people across eight countries through water resources essential for human consumption, agriculture, energy, and ecosystems.

The MoU lays the groundwork for collaborative water and biodiversity management, recognizing the interdependence of these vital resources. By fostering cooperation, the partnership aims to balance conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources, directly benefiting communities reliant on the region's ecosystems.

Key Objectives of the MoU

1. Integrated Resource Management: Establishing frameworks to align water resource management with biodiversity conservation goals.
2. Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating data exchange and technical expertise to inform evidence-based decision-making.
3. Community Development: Enhancing livelihoods by supporting initiatives that integrate conservation and sustainable development.
4. Climate Resilience: Developing joint strategies to address the impacts of climate change on water and ecosystems in the region.

A Regional Milestone

The signing ceremony was attended by high-level representatives from SADC Secretariat and Member States, conservation organisations, regional and international development partners. It highlighted the role of partnerships in advancing regional priorities, such as the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Way Forward

The MoU between KAZA and ZAMCOM is a beacon of hope for transboundary collaboration in Southern Africa. It represents a significant step toward achieving the vision of the SADC TFCA Programme, which seeks to foster regional integration, peace, and sustainable development through the conservation of shared natural and cultural heritage.

As we celebrate this achievement, it is clear that partnerships like these are vital to addressing complex, interconnected challenges. They remind us that by working together, we can build a resilient, thriving future for both people and nature.

Let’s continue the conversation on fostering impactful regional collaborations!

For more information: Joint Statement of the MoU Signing by KAZA TFCA and ZAMCOM