This Transfrontier Conservation Area Programme is a 10-year comprehensive document developed by SADC to affirm the conviction that successful conservation and the sustainable use of the region’s shared transboundary resources is crucial for regional integration, given the diminishing capacity of nature to provide vital ecosystem goods and services due to human impacts. This is being addressed through the Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) approach. The concept of TFCAs recognizes that the joint management of shared natural resources across international boundaries has the potential to promote peace and stability; ensure the sustainable conservation and utilization of natural resources, while providing social and economic development opportunities, as well as addressing food and nutrition security. This approach is based on the following three pillars (1) environmental conservation, by supporting the integrity of large ecosystems, beyond artificial boundaries, and the sustainable use of natural resources; (2) regional integration, by bringing together two or more Member States to co-manage shared natural resources and progress towards legal harmonization and active cooperation in resolving other matters related to transboundary conservation; (3) socio-economic development, mainly for the communities affected by the establishment and operationalization of TFCAs, and the private sector engagement, to ensure that regional conservation, livelihoods, and economic growth go hand in hand in a win-win approach. The SADC TFCA Programme 2023-2033, a key initiative under the SADC Regional Indicative Development Strategy (2020–2030), aims to achieve five primary goals (1) Integrated and Effective Management of Transboundary Landscapes and Seascapes: This goal emphasizes the use of transboundary natural resource management to integrate landscape and seascape approaches for biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use. For terrestrial Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs), the focus is on Integrated Landscape Management to resolve land use conflicts, support communities, address climate change, and improve water and food security. Marine TFCAs aim to enhance regional integration, restore ecological functions, promote cultural connections, and grow eco-tourism and natural resource-based businesses. Achievements in this area will be driven by joint management plans, collaborative law enforcement, ecological monitoring, data sharing, and policy harmonization; (2) Improved Well-Being and Livelihoods Through Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Tourism, and Other Activities: Recognizing the crucial role of rural communities in TFCAs, who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, this goal underscores the importance of their involvement in sustainable TFCA management. Strategies will be developed to boost employment and livelihood opportunities in the Green and Blue Economies, supported by technical assistance for business development. Diversifying tourism products will increase the value of TFCAs while addressing local threats and conflicts; (3) Strengthened Governance, Multi-Sectoral Partnerships, and Regional Integration: Successful TFCA development relies on collaboration among governments, NGOs, local communities, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Governments and implementing agencies are central to this effort, but support from cooperation parties and NGOs is also crucial. The program aims to enhance conservation and management practices by harmonizing policies and legal frameworks across SADC countries, establishing regional standards, and resolving policy conflicts. Effective policies and legislation are essential for managing existing TFCAs and expanding the network; (4) Secured Long-Term Sustainable Financing: TFCAs provide extensive benefits for agriculture, livelihoods, conservation, and climate resilience, supporting inclusive green growth. Despite this, securing sustainable funding for their establishment and management remains a challenge. Member States and cooperation parties are key funders, but emerging innovative financial mechanisms offer new opportunities. The SADC TFCA Programme seeks to enhance stakeholder capacity to leverage these financial opportunities, advocate for the SADC TFCA Fund, and develop a pipeline of projects to support TFCA landscapes and seascapes; (5) Enhanced Skills and Capacity Development and Improved Knowledge Management: Building human capital in TFCA landscapes is critical for achieving conservation and livelihood outcomes. This includes identifying training needs, establishing transparent selection criteria, and strengthening Indigenous Knowledge systems. Expanding research programs within TFCAs provides significant professional development for regional students while applying research findings is vital for adaptive management. Effective Knowledge Management is emphasized as a key component in maximizing these benefits.
2023-01-01