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The 2026 Annual SADC TFCA Network Meeting Program and Logostics
| Author: | SADC TFCA Network |
| Language: | |
| Topic: | Conservation |
| Type: | Press Release |
| Last updated: | 22 June 2026 |
The 2026 Annual SADC TFCA Network Meeting aims to review progress, strengthen partnerships, and promote sustainable conservation across southern Africa.
Overview and Context
The meeting is organized by the SADC Secretariat, South Africa’s DFFE, and partners, focusing on the region’s transboundary conservation efforts.
It will be held in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, from November 10–12, 2026, with virtual participation available.
The event emphasizes partnerships, community engagement, ecosystem integrity, and innovative financing to scale impact.
Main Objectives
Review implementation of the 2023–2033 TFCA Programme and the LEAP Strategy.
Share progress reports from various TFCAs, fostering peer learning.
Advance sustainable finance mechanisms, including the SADC TFCA Financing Facility and EU/NaturAfrica funding.
Strengthen collaboration between TFCAs and River Basin Organisations.
Promote community benefits, wildlife economy, and human-wildlife coexistence.
Build consensus on emerging TFCAs, including marine and potential new categories.
Improve monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management systems.
Facilitate professional development and networking.
Theme and Focus Areas
The theme, "Investing in People, Nature and Partnerships," highlights three interconnected priorities:
People: centering community rights, livelihoods, and governance.
Nature: maintaining ecosystem health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Partnerships: leveraging multi-sector collaboration for resource mobilization and implementation.
Program Highlights
Day 1 features an immersive field visit to Kruger National Park and GLTFCA, showcasing cross-border conservation achievements and community engagement, ending with a traditional bush braai.
Day 2 includes plenary sessions on progress, partnerships, and finance, with reports from key TFCAs and updates on funding, law enforcement, and RBO collaboration.
Day 3 offers parallel streams on wildlife economy, community engagement, law enforcement, human-wildlife conflict, tourism, climate resilience, and knowledge management, concluding with a synthesis and official closure.
Key Thematic Priorities
Mid-programme review of progress against the Action Plan.
Scaling sustainable finance solutions and community benefit-sharing.
Enhancing collaboration between TFCAs and RBOs.
Addressing escalating human-wildlife conflict with regional working groups.
Re-engaging de-listed and emerging TFCAs, including marine areas.
Strengthening monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing.
Logistics and Preparations
Participants should register online, with in-person accommodation at Skukuza Lodge or SANParks chalets.
Visa support letters are available; delegates from most SADC countries can enter South Africa visa-free.
Virtual participation is facilitated via Zoom with interpretation in English, French, and Portuguese.
Member States and TFCAs are asked to submit progress reports by October 31, 2026, and identify community representatives for sessions.
Expected Outcomes
Consolidated recommendations for the SADC Steering Committee.
An updated action matrix tracking implementation.
A field trip report highlighting lessons learned.
Resolutions on RBO–TFCA collaboration and HWC working groups.
Full proceedings and media outputs to promote TFCAs.
Support and Funding
The event is co-organized by SADC, GIZ, and South Africa’s DFFE, with funding from the EU, German government, and other partners.
Additional support may be sought from international partners for unmet costs or specific sessions.
Contact Information
For registration and logistics, contact the SADC TFCA Network Coordinator, Steve Collins.
For further details, reach out to the SADC Secretariat or DFFE TFCA Unit.
Review implementation of the 2023–2033 TFCA Programme and the LEAP Strategy.
Share progress reports from various TFCAs, fostering peer learning.
Advance sustainable finance mechanisms, including the SADC TFCA Financing Facility and EU/NaturAfrica funding.
Strengthen collaboration between TFCAs and River Basin Organisations.
Promote community benefits, wildlife economy, and human-wildlife coexistence.
Build consensus on emerging TFCAs, including marine and potential new categories.
Improve monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management systems.
Facilitate professional development and networking.
Theme and Focus Areas
The theme, "Investing in People, Nature and Partnerships," highlights three interconnected priorities:
People: centering community rights, livelihoods, and governance.
Nature: maintaining ecosystem health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Partnerships: leveraging multi-sector collaboration for resource mobilization and implementation.
Program Highlights
Day 1 features an immersive field visit to Kruger National Park and GLTFCA, showcasing cross-border conservation achievements and community engagement, ending with a traditional bush braai.
Day 2 includes plenary sessions on progress, partnerships, and finance, with reports from key TFCAs and updates on funding, law enforcement, and RBO collaboration.
Day 3 offers parallel streams on wildlife economy, community engagement, law enforcement, human-wildlife conflict, tourism, climate resilience, and knowledge management, concluding with a synthesis and official closure.
Key Thematic Priorities
Mid-programme review of progress against the Action Plan.
Scaling sustainable finance solutions and community benefit-sharing.
Enhancing collaboration between TFCAs and RBOs.
Addressing escalating human-wildlife conflict with regional working groups.
Re-engaging de-listed and emerging TFCAs, including marine areas.
Strengthening monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing.
Logistics and Preparations
Participants should register online, with in-person accommodation at Skukuza Lodge or SANParks chalets.
Visa support letters are available; delegates from most SADC countries can enter South Africa visa-free.
Virtual participation is facilitated via Zoom with interpretation in English, French, and Portuguese.
Member States and TFCAs are asked to submit progress reports by October 31, 2026, and identify community representatives for sessions.
Expected Outcomes
Consolidated recommendations for the SADC Steering Committee.
An updated action matrix tracking implementation.
A field trip report highlighting lessons learned.
Resolutions on RBO–TFCA collaboration and HWC working groups.
Full proceedings and media outputs to promote TFCAs.
Support and Funding
The event is co-organized by SADC, GIZ, and South Africa’s DFFE, with funding from the EU, German government, and other partners.
Additional support may be sought from international partners for unmet costs or specific sessions.
Contact Information
For registration and logistics, contact the SADC TFCA Network Coordinator, Steve Collins.
For further details, reach out to the SADC Secretariat or DFFE TFCA Unit.
