KAZA Launches Regenerative Tourism Initiative Backed by Germany and EU
The Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) has today officially launched the Joint Action on Regenerative Nature-Based Tourism (R-NBT), a new initiative designed to strengthen nature-based tourism as a driver of conservation, local enterprise and sustainable livelihoods. The launch took place during a Regional Stakeholder Roundtable in Maun, Botswana, bringing together representatives from all five KAZA Partner States - Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe - across a shared landscape of approximately 520,000 km² that includes globally significant destinations such as the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls.
Funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union, and implemented by GIZ in partnership with the KAZA and SADC Secretariats, the initiative places micro, small and medium tourism enterprises (MSMEs) at its core - with a particular focus on businesses led by women and youth operating near protected areas. Support will include capacity development, improved access to finance, business development assistance and stronger links to regional and international markets. Germany's engagement builds on more than EUR 40 million invested in KAZA since 2009, with a further EUR 50 million committed to Trans Frontier Conservation Area financing facilities, reflecting a long-term approach that connects biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and economic opportunity for local communities.
Source: GIZ