The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is stepping up regional efforts to combat wildlife crime, protect shared ecosystems and ensure that local communities benefit from conservation initiatives.
The commitment was reaffirmed at the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Annual Network Meeting, held in Skukuza, South Africa, from November 10 to 12.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the SADC Secretariat said Transfrontier Conservation Areas played a critical role in protecting biodiversity, promoting regional integration and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
“Strengthening regional cooperation in conservation is essential to addressing common environmental challenges, protecting biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of shared natural resources,” the Secretariat said.
Discussions focused on growing environmental threats facing Southern Africa, including biodiversity loss, wildlife crime, climate change and increasing pressure on natural resources.
While participants reviewed progress in implementing the SADC TFCA Programme 2023–2033 and explored ways of improving sustainable financing, community participation and benefit-sharing.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of ensuring that communities living in and around protected areas benefit directly from conservation through employment creation, enterprise development and skills transfer.
“Conservation efforts must deliver tangible benefits to local communities through employment creation, enterprise development, skills transfer and improved livelihood opportunities,” the Secretariat said.
Delegates also visited the Bushbuck Tannery Community Enterprise and the SANParks Game Abattoir, where they observed how the sustainable use of wildlife resources can support local economic development through value addition. Another key development, which seeks to strengthen the fight against wildlife crime, ensure enhanced law enforcement capacity, cross-border cooperation and community-based approaches to preventing poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking, was the launch of the Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching (LEAP) Project in the SADC region, supported by the Government of Germany.
The Secretariat said effective partnerships and coordinated action among Member States remained essential to addressing threats to shared ecosystems.
“The success of regional conservation initiatives depends on effective partnerships, strong cross-border collaboration and the active participation of communities,” it said.
Furthermore, the outcomes of the meeting are expected to guide regional conservation priorities and strengthen implementation of the TFCA Programme, with a focus on protecting Southern Africa’s natural heritage while promoting sustainable development.
