The wildlife economy, if sustainably managed, allows for the aligning of conservation and development objectives. The recently launched SADC Wildlife-Based Economy Strategy Framework (WBESF) has been approved by Member States and now needs to be implemented. This session will provide a short overview of the key elements of the WBESF, why it is important, some examples of current work and best practices related to the wildlife economy in SADC-TFCAs and potential avenues for implementation of the Framework, including key next steps.

The objective of the webinar is to discuss the fact that people, animals and plants in TFCAs are being negatively impacted on by climate change in Southern Africa. Several attempts to understand, plan for and adapt to these impacts are being tried across SADC's TFCAs. We will hear from practitioners in the region about their programs and projects to do this. Some of these efforts to adapt to Climate change are at a regional level such as the SADC Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and the KAZA Climate Vulnerability study, while other efforts are at household level.

Moderator: tbc

Experts:

Chair: Ms Aruna Seepersadh, Director: Transfrontier Conservation Areas Unit, DEFF, South Africa 

This session will delve into the importance of the 2002 Maputo Convention on Natural Resources for SADC TFCAs and introduce the concepts of Key Biodiversity Areas and OECMs to charter a more sustainable path for natural resource management at national and regional scales.

Moderator: Dr. Brian Maguranyanga, Independent NRM consultant, Zimbabwe 

Chair: Prof. Patience Gandiwa, Executive Technical Advisor: Conventions and TFCAs, Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority

Moderator: Ms. Candice Stevens, Head: Innovative Funding and Policy, Wilderness Foundation

Pannelists: 

Chair: Mr. Piet Theron, International Coordinator, GLTFCA

Moderator: Ms Netsai Bollmann, Regional Senior Tourism Expert / Team Leader, AFC/GOPA, on behalf of SADC/GIZ Transboundary Use and Protection of Natural Resources 

Pannelists: 

Chair: Mr Roland Vorwerk, Marketing Manager, Boundless Southern Africa