The Southern Africa Mountain Conference 2025 (SAMC 2025) took place from 17-20 March, in the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area (MDTFCA), South Africa under the patronage of UNESCO. The event brought together over 350 participants, including researchers, traditional leaders, conservationists, government representatives, and international mountain networks, under the theme Overcoming Boundaries and Barriers.

Mountains as Shared Landscapes

Prof. Ralph Clark, chairperson of the conference and representative from the University of the Free State, highlighted the historic role of mountains as both barriers and opportunities for cooperation. He emphasised that with increasing environmental challenges, collaborative efforts are necessary to ensure the sustainable management of mountain ecosystems. Africa has long engaged in transboundary mountain cooperation, and discussions at the conference reinforced the importance of maintaining and expanding these efforts.

The Role of TFCAs in Conservation

A dedicated session on Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs), hosted by the SADC Secretariat in partnership with the MDTFCA and South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), focused on the role of TFCAs in regional conservation efforts. These cross-border conservation initiatives support biodiversity protection, sustainable tourism, and research collaboration. Currently, seven of the thirteen TFCAs in Southern Africa include significant mountainous areas, with the Maloti-Drakensberg and Chimanimani TFCAs being the most prominent mountain landscapes.

The session also highlighted the role of TFCAs as platforms for socio-ecological sustainability and transboundary cooperation. The MDTFCA exhibition provided further insight into conservation efforts in the region. SADC Secretariat participation and the special TFCA session at SAMC 2025 were supported by the Joint Action NaturAfrica / Climate Resilience Natural Resource Management (C-NRM) Programme – a partnership programme co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union.

Exploring a Regional Framework for Mountain Conservation

One of the key topics discussed was the potential development of a regional framework for mountain conservation in SADC. Drawing from international examples such as the Alpine and Carpathian Conventions and the Andean Mountain Initiative, participants explored whether a similar model could be beneficial for Southern Africa. This follows discussions at SAMC 2023 on the possibility of a SADC-wide mountain convention or treaty.

Given that over 50% of Southern Africa’s freshwater originates from mountainous areas, improved conservation efforts could play a critical role in water security. A formal regional framework could complement existing conservation initiatives, including TFCAs and River Basin Organisations. The discussions also considered UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve programme as a potential mechanism for advancing mountain conservation efforts in the region.

Traditional Leadership and Mountain Governance

A significant aspect of the conference was the Royal Mountain Indaba, which brought together Traditional Authorities responsible for managing large areas of mountain landscapes under customary law. These authorities play a crucial role in land governance and transboundary cooperation. The session provided a platform for dialogue on strengthening traditional leadership’s role in sustainable mountain development.

An outcome of this session was the announcement of the QwaQwa Maloti Natural Protected Environment, which will integrate 35,000 hectares of community-managed land into the MDTFCA. The area will be overseen by the Batlokoa and Bakoena Royal Authorities, reflecting an increasing recognition of community-led conservation efforts.

Next Steps and Policy Considerations

Following the conference, South Africa’s DFFE will compile a report for the National Minister, which will inform a proposal for the upcoming SADC Ministers of Environment and Tourism meeting in May. Key topics will include the potential development of a regional mountain conservation framework and enhanced collaboration with UNESCO.

SAMC 2025 provided a platform for discussions on the future of mountain conservation in Southern Africa. The outcomes will help shape policies and strategies to ensure that these vital landscapes continue to support biodiversity, local communities, and regional environmental goals.