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Identifying opportunities for transboundary conservation in Africa
| Author: | Vignesh Kamath, Holly Brooks, Robin Naidoo, Angela Brennan, Bastian Bertzky, Neil D. Burgess, Osgur McDermott Long, Andy Arnell and Nina Bhola |
| Language: | |
| Topic: | Governance |
| Type: | Research |
| Last updated: | 4 February 2026 |
The conservation of natural and cultural resources shared between countries is a significant challenge that can be addressed through the establishment of transboundary conservation areas (TBCAs). TBCAs enable countries to harmonize cross-border governance and management, increase protected area (PA) coverage, and strengthen relationships between neighbouring countries and communities. In Africa, many ecosystems and species ranges span multiple countries, making TBCAs a crucial tool for biodiversity conservation. However, there is a lack of research on where TBCAs can be established or need to be established. To address this gap, we conducted a study to identify opportunities for establishing TBCAs in Africa. We first compiled an up-to-date list of existing TBCAs on the continent. Then, we identified potential TBCAs by identifying protected areas next to country borders that are adjacent to other protected areas in a neighbouring country. We also evaluated the functional connectivity between these PA pairs and prioritized potential TBCAs based on size, connectivity, and ease of establishment. We identified 27 existing TBCAs and 8,481 potential TBCAs in Africa composed of various possible combinations of 2,326 individual PAs. Our results provide a baseline of existing TBCAs and offer a better understanding of where transboundary conservation might be established or strengthened. We also highlight areas where future transboundary conservation efforts could safeguard PA connectivity. This information can guide policy and decision-making processes towards promoting conservation and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources shared between countries in Africa.
This study explores opportunities for transboundary conservation areas (TBCAs) in Africa to address ecological connectivity loss caused by habitat fragmentation and geopolitical boundaries. TBCAs enable countries to harmonize governance, increase protected area (PA) coverage, and strengthen relationships between neighboring nations. The research identifies 27 existing TBCAs and 8,481 potential TBCAs across Africa, involving 2,326 individual PAs. These areas are categorized into six groups based on size, boundary proximity, and connectivity for mammals, with priorities ranging from maintaining to enhancing connectivity.
Existing TBCAs, primarily in southern Africa, include successful examples like the Greater Virunga Transboundary Protected Areas, which have conserved endangered mountain gorillas. Potential TBCAs with touching boundaries or high connectivity ratings are considered well-connected and could benefit from formal cooperative management and additional measures like ecological corridors. Less-connected areas may require restoration to enhance connectivity.
Countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, and Zimbabwe and Zambia, share high numbers of potential TBCAs, reflecting their history of transboundary cooperation. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches to formalizing TBCAs, considering ecological, social, and political factors. It also highlights the need for further localized analyses to explore connectivity between protected and unprotected areas near borders.
The findings align with global conservation goals, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. The study provides a baseline for identifying and prioritizing TBCAs, offering guidance for policy and decision-making to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of shared resources in Africa.
