KAZA TFCA Approves Conservation and Tourism Frameworks as Zimbabwe Assumes Chair
The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) has endorsed four key strategies to strengthen policy harmonisation in tourism, wildlife conservation, and community development across its five member states: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The decision follows Zimbabwe’s assumption of the bloc’s chairmanship after the 15th Ministerial Committee Meeting in Livingstone, Zambia. Approved frameworks include an updated Elephant Action Plan, a regional human-elephant conflict management strategy for the Zambezi-Mosi Oa Tunya wildlife corridor, a standardised veterinary sampling protocol, and the creation of a carnivore conservation sub-working group.
Outgoing chair Zambia underscored the importance of expanding cross-border tourism initiatives, including the KAZA UniVisa, and securing sustainable financing for conservation and climate adaptation. The ministers also noted financial progress, including the Phase III KfW grant and a €5 million EU commitment to support integrated development and conservation strategies. With Zimbabwe now chairing KAZA TFCA, expectations are high for continued regional cooperation to advance sustainable tourism, protect biodiversity, and foster community engagement.
