stakeholders pose for a group photo at the SADC TFCAs meeting
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
There is need for collaborations if we are to achieve a sustainable future in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, ZimParks Director General, Fulton Mangwanya has said.
Mangwanya revealed this during a two-day technical meeting on the implementation of the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) programme and other key natural resources management frameworks in Zimbabwe.
The meeting which was held in Harare on Wednesday and Thursday, saw several stakeholders attending.
According to the SADC website, “a Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) is defined in the SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement (1999) as a component of a large ecological region that straddles the boundaries of two or more countries encompassing one or more protected areas as well as multiple resource use areas.
“TFCAs are founded with the aim of collaboratively managing shared natural and cultural resources across international boundaries for improved biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development.”
Mangwanya said: “let us continue to work together to achieve a sustainable future for our region.”
“As a country we have witnessed the power of collaboration and we can share that if we work together we can: safeguard and preserve our diverse biodiversity.
“Advocate for sustainable land use and natural resource management practices.
“Support initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“Cultivate inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” said Mangwanya.
He added that the meeting represented a significant milestone in the shared journey towards sustainable natural resource management and regional cooperation.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to emphasize the pivotal role that natural resources play in driving the socio-economic growth and development.
“The effective management of these resources is essential for our shared prosperity and the well-being of our people.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to highlight that the SADC Protocol and other frameworks provide us with a unique opportunity to promote integrated management of our shared resources, enhance a holistic government approach, foster regional cooperation, and economic development.”
Mangwanya added that the two day workshop focused on sharing information, expertise, and outlining a strategic path for effective implementation of the SADC TFCA Programme.
“I urge you all to participate actively, share your valuable insights, and collaborate to drive meaningful progress.
“Your expertise and experience are invaluable to this process.
“To our conservation partners and stakeholders, we express our deep appreciation for your unwavering support and dedication to our national and regional efforts,” he added.
Speaking on the sidelines of the same event, IFAW Zimbabwe, Country Director, Alleta Nyahuye, also said collaborations were critical to ensure effective wildlife conservation.
“At IFAW, we believe that collaboration is essential for effective wildlife conservation.
“By working together, we can address some of the most urgent conservation challenges in the SADC region, such as poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change.
“Guided by the SADC TFCAs programme and with a spirit of unity and cooperation, we must combine our efforts and resources to protect the region’s biodiversity and ensure a better future for both wildlife and people,” said Nyahuye.
In his closing remarks on Wednesday, acting Deputy Director Wildlife and Conservation in the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, Tendai Ruzvidzo, said meeting was showing collective efforts for sustainable natural resources management within SADC.
“The frameworks for the SADC TFCAs programme highlight the critical importance of cross border collaborations.
“Ladies and gentleman, our collective efforts have made significant advancement our rich biodiversity in ensuring a sustainable use of our natural resources.”
The meeting continues today with a TFCAs roadshow meant to come up with resolutions.
