SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement

Key Objectives Conservation & Sustainable Use: Ensure the protection and sustainable use of wildlife across the SADC region. Harmonisation of Laws: Align national laws and policies on wildlife management to improve effectiveness. Cooperation in Enforcement: Promote joint efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and related crimes. Community Participation: Encourage local communities to benefit from and take part in conservation efforts. Transboundary Conservation: Facilitate the creation and management of Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs). Main Provisions Regional Standards Member States commit to common approaches in wildlife management, conservation strategies, and legislation. Transboundary Management Support for joint management of cross-border ecosystems and migratory species. Law Enforcement Cooperation Information sharing, joint patrols, and mutual legal assistance in prosecuting wildlife crimes. Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Recognises communities as key stakeholders; encourages benefit-sharing and rights to use wildlife sustainably. Institutional Framework Establishes a Committee of Ministers, Committee of Senior Officials, and Technical Committee to guide and monitor implementation. Alignment with International Conventions Protocol complements global agreements like CITES and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Significance First binding regional agreement in Africa dedicated to wildlife conservation and anti-poaching cooperation. Strengthened the foundation for SADC TFCAs and regional anti-trafficking initiatives. Pioneered regional recognition of community rights and benefits in wildlife management.